Historical records confirm that in 446 B.C., Telmessos was a member of the Attica-Delos confederation. Situated at the western limit of the Lycian region, it was one of the six most important Lycian cities. In the 4th century B.C., it was raided by Pericles of Limyra. Then, in 334 B.C., Telmessos fell to Alexander the Great. After the war of Magnesia, the city came under the control of Pergamon. Much later, it was victim to Arab raids from seaward, and was looted in the 7th century.

The Temple of Apollo and the theatre, built during the Roman era, were completely destroyed by the 1856 earthquake. There are a number of tombs on the hillsides. The tomb of Amynthas, son of Hermagios, dates to the 4th century B.C., and with its Gothic style decoration is one of the most impressive tombs here. The wooden door carving on the rock is an interesting detail. Lycian tombs can be seen throughout the town and its surroundings. The tomb near the town hall is another impressive example.