The Titus Tunnel, located in the Samandağ District of Hatay province in Turkey, was built during the Roman period. The tunnel is known as the longest human-made tunnel in the world. Titus Tunnel and Beşikli Cave, which is right next to it, are flooded with visitors with its interesting story and magnificent view.
The tunnel, which was carved into the mountain, is one of the biggest projects of the ancient period, dating back 2,000 years. Known as an engineering marvel, the building is located on the coast of Samandağ Çevlik Ruins. The construction of the tunnel, which started in 69 AD, took about 2 years. The construction of the tunnel, which started with the order of Emperor Vespasian, was completed by his son Titus. The Titus Tunnel was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014.
The Purpose of Titus Tunnel and Cradle Cave
The Roman Emperor Vespasian ordered the construction of a huge tunnel that would go around the city. The purpose of the tunnel is to descend from the mountains and protect it from floods and floods that threaten life. Sand and gravel coming from the mountain with the flood waters fill the harbor and flood the city. The tunnel that surrounds the city will change the direction of the current, thus making the city safer. Roman legions and slaves worked in the construction of the tunnel, and about 1000 prisoners took charge until it was completed.
The length of the tunnel, which was built by carving the mountain completely, is 380 meters, its height is 7 meters and its width is 6 meters. The workers in the construction of the tunnel carved the mountain with the help of hammer and chisel. Located 100 meters from the entrance of the tunnel from the sea side, Beşikli Cave contains the largest and most famous of the rock tombs. Inside the cave, there are 12 stone tombs in sections separated from each other by walls. Stone tombs made by carving the rocks attract attention with their ornate motifs. It is thought that the tombs in the cave belonged to a noble ruler and his family from the Roman period.
Hatay’s Samandag District stands out in terms of both sea and cultural tourism with its 14-kilometer-long beach. The region, which is one of the important tourism centers, is heavily visited by local and foreign tourists. Visitors to the tunnel and cave also have the opportunity to see Seleucia Pieria, an important ancient port city.
