Photos

Tunnel of Vespasian and Titus at Seleucia Piera

The construction of the tunnel and channel was initiated in 69 A.D., during the reign of Vespasianus in order to protect this Antique Seleucia City and its harbor from floodwater flowing down the mountains. Carved through the mountain, it is accepted as an excellent example of engineering even by today's standards. The construction was completed only during the reign of his son Titus (81 A.D.).

The channel is 1.330 meters long. The covered part of the tunnel is 130 meters long, 7 meters high and 6 meters wide.

http://books.google.com/books?id=G4cMH8V9Hk4C&pg=PA316&lpg=PA316&dq=Tit%C3%BCs+%28Vespasianus%29+tunnel&source=bl&ots=G-CXuFzWW3&sig=Ff7RgRY3OTx-rCYe8rGrTPYBJFY&hl=en&ei=Xt_ySoyZLc7E-QaU1I2sBA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CA4Q6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=&f=false

The tunnel is simply magnificent and very impressive. It is poorly protected and not a tourist friendly spot to visit. Hence, please visit there before you complain walking on the rocks. Some parts of the tunnel can be crossed with care and not suggested for elders. It is very interesting that the tunnel is not very popular even for Turkey. It deserves more attention for sure!