Kral Mezari

The Kral Mezari or Tombs of the Kings located in Cyprus, Kas, is an ancient necropolis with tombs that date back to the 4th century BC. The tombs were carved into hard limestone rocks and although no king is buried at the site, it is named Kral Mezari because of its majestic architecture. Mounted vertically on the skirts of Amasya Castle, it is known that there were about 21 tombs of various sizes, however, only a few of them have survived.

The Lions Tomb contains three parts- a lower burial chamber, a plain base, and the sarcophagus itself- which can give a great insight into the burial rituals of that time and the architectural prominence. Some of the tombs even have Doric columns while the walls are decorated with frescoes.  There are paths carved in the rock between the graves that can be reached from Hatuniye District. During ancient times, the Kral Mezari was also used as a prison and punishment place. The necropolis, along with the historical city of Paphos, is on the UNESCO World Heritage List as archaeological excavations still continue in the region.