The tunnel, located near the Çevlik Ruins in the Samandağ District of Hatay, was built in the 1st century BC. In order to be protected from life-threatening floods and overflows by descending from the mountains, Roman Emperor Vespasian ordered the construction of a tunnel that would circumnavigate the city and thus change the direction of the currents. The construction started in AD 69 and was finished in AD 81 by his successor and his son Titus.
Titus Tunnel and Cradle Cave – Hatay
Roman legions and slaves worked in the tunnel construction. The tunnel, completely carved into the mountain, is 1,380 meters long, 7 meters high and 6 meters wide. Beşikli Cave, which is about 100 meters away from the entrance on the sea side of the tunnel, is one of the largest and most famous of the rock tombs, and there are twelve tombs in sections. The tombs are separated from each other by walls. These stone tombs are in sections connected by stone columns and arches, and are descended from top to bottom with stone stairs. Columns, capitals, steps and motifs that partially adorn the top cover in the sections where the doors are opened, which were created by carving the rocks, were made in accordance with the originals.
Titus Tunnel and Cradle Cave – Hatay
How to get to Titus Tunnel?
The Titus Tunnel, which is 5 kilometers away from the town of Samandağ, can be reached by shuttles departing from Samandağ. Those who go by private vehicle can reach it by following the direction signs. Seleucia Pieria, an important ancient port city, can also be seen.
Source: Iskenderun District Governorship Website