ZONGULDAK SIGHTS
Tios
Gokgol cave
In ancient sources the city is spelt in various ways,
including Tios, Tieion, Teion and Tion. In the second
half of the seventh century BC the city was founded
as a Milesian colony by the priest named Tios. It
depended on various kingdoms throughout the Hellenistic period and the city fell under Roman control
in AD 70. In the Roman Imperial period Roman emperors and proconsuls encouraged the development
of the city. In the Byzantine period the city was a
bishopric and we find the names of bishops of Tios
on lead seals." We have relatively limited knowledge
both in ancient records and in contemporary
archaeological research. In the Roman period
coastal defensive walls, acquaduct, theatre,
defensive tower and the port with its breakwater are
the only visible remains of the city. The acropolis of
the ancient city is located immediately to the east of
the present Filyos township on a hill. A partially
destroyed stone building is another remaining ruin in
the acropolis .The Roman period theatre of Tios is
located in the north of the road leading into Filyos.
Built on a sloping land, local stones were used in its
construction. Only a few of the arches of the
aquaduct, located to the north of the theatre, are still
standing. There are the remains of another structure
which could have been a defensive tower located in
200 meters to the west of the theatre.
Gökgöl cave is a rather young show cave.It is located
in the vicinity of the coal mining city Zonguldak.The
cave was discovered in 1976 by Temuçen
Aygen.Between 1997 and 2001 it was arranged for
tourists visits.Due to its vicinity to main road the
number of visitor is quite high.gallery is open to
visits.The gallery in this part is quite level and easily
be accessed.The width of the gallery is 2 to 15 metres
and the highest is 1 to 18 metres.The cave is full of
stalactites and stalagmites.The cave is well developed
with concrete paths and electric light.It has numerous
impressive speleothems and huge chambers.
To the west of the acropolis and within the ancient
port, there are the under water remains of a
breakwater.
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