Turkey is a country filled with natural and historical treasures. In this regard, there are various ancient sites in Turkey that must be seen and explored. With its thousands of years of history and rich cultural heritage, Turkey hosts fascinating ancient sites that captivate people worldwide. This unique country is a paradise for archaeology enthusiasts and travelers alike. When you visit Turkey, there are many impressive ancient sites that you absolutely must see.
Short information: After reading this travel article, I highly recommend taking a look at our list of Different Must-See Places to Visit in Turkey.
List of Ancient Sites in Turkey :
Turkey is a country where you can take a journey into the depths of history with every step. These unique ancient sites offer visitors unforgettable experiences with their mesmerizing ruins and historical atmosphere. For travelers, we present a list of ancient sites in Turkey that are a must-see, captivating history and culture enthusiasts. Without further ado, let’s quickly move on to these historical places.
1- Ephesus Ancient City – Izmir / Selçuk
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Ephesus is one of the most special and beautiful historical sites in Turkey. With a worldwide reputation, Ephesus is located in a geography that served as an important city port between the East and the West. Its history in Izmir dates back to before the Common Era.
The “Ephesus Ancient City,” which has been in existence since 8600 BCE, has been situated along various trade routes throughout its history. Due to the fertility of its lands, it has become one of the most significant places in this region. Within Ephesus, there are the Agora Square, the Temple of Artemis, the Celsus Library, the Hercules Gate, and the Ancient Theater.
2- Pergamon Ancient City – İzmir
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Today, it is located within the boundaries of the Bergama district of İzmir. This ancient city, which had great importance during the Hellenistic period, was founded by King Attalus II of Pergamon in the 3rd century BC.
Pergamon has had a significant influence throughout history in political, cultural, and intellectual aspects. It is famous for its Great Library and is considered one of the most important libraries of the time. The collection of approximately 200,000 volumes gathered in the library made it a center of science and thought during that period.
The architecture and structures of the “Pergamon Ancient City” exhibit impressive grandeur and artistic richness. The city, built on a high hill, has a strategic position and offers a panoramic view. Additionally, the city includes many structures such as aqueducts, streets, baths, and temples.
3- Antiphellos Ancient City – Antalya
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Antiphellos, one of the ancient sites that you must see in Turkey, is located in Antalya. Situated in the district of Kaş, Antiphellos has a rich history. This ancient site, also known as Kaş Ancient Theater, was built in the 1st century BC. It also has a capacity of 4,000 people. You should definitely visit Antiphellos with its unique view during your trip to Kaş. If you would like to take a look at our list of “places to visit in Kaş,” here it is.
The most important structure of Antiphellos Ancient City is the Antiphellos Theater. The theater is situated carved into the mountainside and has a capacity of approximately 4,000 people. The seating rows and the stage of the ancient theater are well preserved. The most remarkable feature of the theater is the magnificent sea view in front of the stage.
4- Side Ancient City – Antalya
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It is located on a magnificent coastline and surrounded by the warm waters of the Mediterranean, offering a unique sea view. One of the most important structures of the ancient city is the Agora. The Agora served as a large square and the center of trade, social, and political life. Some of the significant structures of the era can be found here.
Side, an important ancient city located in the Manavgat district of Antalya, is situated by the seaside. Its Roman-era theater, agora, and ancient columned street impress visitors.
Another impressive structure in Side Ancient City is the Side Ancient Theater. The theater is a large structure with a capacity of approximately 20,000 people and still hosts various events. The stage and seating rows of the theater have been well-preserved.
Among the other important structures of Side Ancient City are the Temple of Apollo, Side Museum, Ancient Theater, and Nymphaeum. The Temple of Apollo has become a symbol of Side and was used as an important place of worship in ancient times. The Side Museum hosts a collection containing the ruins of the ancient city and provides visitors with more historical information.
5- Xanthos Ancient City – Antalya
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Xanthos Ancient City is an important archaeological site located in the Xanthos River Valley near the Kas district of Antalya. As the capital of the Lycian region, Xanthos is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stands out with its thousands of years of history and rich archaeological remains.
The most remarkable structure of the ancient city is the Xanthos Amphitheatre. With a large seating capacity, the amphitheater is a beautiful example of theater architecture from its time. It was used for theater performances and events.
Among the other important structures of Xanthos Ancient City are the Nereid Monument, the Harpy Tomb, and the Xanthos Ancient Theater. The Nereid Monument is an example of ancient mosaic art and contains numerous colorful mosaic panels. The Harpy Tomb is a sarcophagus that depicts significant figures from Lycian mythology. The Xanthos Ancient Theater is one of the most impressive structures of the ancient city.