Kremna Ancient City is an ancient city located within the borders of Çamlık Village in the Bucak district of Burdur Province, on a dominant hill overlooking the Aksu (Kestros) Valley. The city lies at an elevation of approximately 1,250 meters, to the west of Boğadiç Mountain, in a rugged and mountainous terrain. It is about 10 kilometers from the Bucak district center and 60 kilometers from Burdur city center.
Kremna Ancient City (Türkiye Kültür Portalı)
Historical Development
Kremna came under the rule of the Lydians in the 6th century BCE, followed by the Persians in 546 BCE, and Alexander the Great in 333 BCE. Subsequently, the city was ruled by the Antigonids, Seleucids, Pergamon Kingdom, Romans, Galatians, and again the Romans. After the division of the Roman Empire, Kremna became part of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire and came under Turkish control in the late 11th century. The city experienced its peak during the 2nd century CE.
City Plan and Architecture
Kremna was built on a grid plan and surrounded by walls approximately 2 meters wide and 7–8 meters high. In the acropolis area (Upper City), there are remains of a forum, basilica, the arched Elsodra Church, and a library. Additionally, a monumental entrance gate (propolion) and a monumental fountain building (nymphaeum) are present.
Archaeological Research
The first detailed investigation of Kremna was conducted in the 1880s by Austrian researcher Count von Lanckoronski, who documented the city plan. Between 1971 and 1973, scientific excavations were led by Prof. Dr. Jale İnan from the Archaeology Department of Istanbul University. These excavations revealed the structure identified as the library. Statues and artifacts unearthed during these works are exhibited at the Burdur Museum.
Kremna Ancient City (Türkiye Kültür Portalı)
Library-Bath Complex ('Q' Structure)
The building identified as a library consists of two rectangular sections. The first section (19.25 x 29.05 m) has an eastern entrance and includes a vaulted apse and niches. On the statue bases within the building, there are nine marble bases dedicated to figures such as Aphrodite, Leto, Asclepius, Heracles, Athena, Apollo, and Hygeia. The floor is partially covered with stone and mosaic.
Kremna Ancient City (Türkiye Kültür Portalı)
The second section (9.20 x 17.40 m) functioned as a bathhouse. The walls contain terracotta water pipes, indicating a heating system. This complex is interpreted as a combined library and bath structure. It was constructed during the reign of Roman Emperor Vespasian (69–79 CE).
Sculptures and Artifacts
Excavations yielded large and small statues of gods and goddesses including Athena, Leto, Hygeia, Nemesis, Apollo, Asclepius, and Heracles. These artifacts are now exhibited in the Kremna Hall of the Burdur Museum.
Preservation and Significance
Excavations at the ‘Q’ structure were initiated primarily to prevent illicit digs that began in the 1960s and to ensure the site's preservation. Kremna is archaeologically and touristically significant for its well-preserved examples of Roman architecture and sculpture.
