Hidden Ancient Cities of Türkiye

 

Stepping onto the stage of the ancient world’s greatest mysteries and legends is one of the great thrills of travel. Each year, new findings are unearthed and analyzed, and precious pieces of history restored and displayed with the help of better technology to connect visitors with the past in more immersive ways. Archaeologists and researchers continue to chip away at our questions about antiquity to further reveal the ancient centers of power and culture and make them more accessible for modern travelers.

 

While archaeological sites continue to evolve, these are currently our favorite ancient cities of modern-day Turkiye, the rich Anatolian and Mediterranean lands that have seen the rise and fall of empires like the Seljuks, Hittites, Persians, Romans, and Ottomans.

 

Photo: Merve Nur Türker on Pexels

 

Even if ruins aren’t high up on your vacation to-do list, we promise that all these sites offer more than just old stones – there’s either a fantastic setting or something else interesting to see in the local area, so you won’t regret taking time to visit!

 

 

Ephesus

 

It’s not at all hidden (the site welcomed over 2 million visitors in 2023), but the hype is well-founded. Ephesus was the most important city of Asia Minor for the ancient Greeks and Romans, and its ruins are well-maintained and extensive, including agoras, aqueducts, baths, temples, and a monumental theatre. Saint Paul spent over 2 years in Ephesus, and it is also believed to be the final resting place of Mary the mother of Jesus. The magnificent façade of the Library of Celsus is iconic. True history lovers will also want to see the one remaining column from the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

 

Photo: Mehmet Çağlar on Pexels

 

 

Magnesia

 

Just 30 minutes’ drive from the metropolis of Ephesus is a smaller city of ancient Ionia – Magnesia ad Maeandrum, founded by the Magnetes tribe from Thessaly. Originally built on a tributary of the river Maeander (Büyükmenderes), the city was later moved to a more defensible site and flourished under the Persian and Roman Empires. You’ll have to go to the Louvre in Paris if you want to see the magnificent frieze that was taken from the Temple of Artemis Leucophryene, but the incredible Stadium is enough reward for your visit. As grand as any Roman sporting arena should be, its magnificent state beckons an image of 30,000 spectators cheering on chariot racers and gladiators. You can also plan a stop at the nearby Yedi Bilgeler Vineyard for a wine tasting or meal at their slow-food focused restaurant.

 

Photo: Feridun F. Alkaya on Flickr

 

 

Aizanoi

 

Far from the usual tourist route, the plains of Kütahya province hold a rare unspoiled treasure of antiquity. The Temple of Zeus at Aizanoi remains intact much as it was in ancient times – it’s truly one of the most beautiful ancient structures of Anatolia. The ancient site has other Roman remains to see, as well as artifacts in the Archaeological Museum of Kütahya. But that’s not all. The PhrygianValley is a wide-reaching area including Eskişehir and Afyon provices as well, and may one day prove as popular as Cappadocia. Once the realm of King Midas, today the region provides quiet trails for nature and history lovers. Don’t miss the modern museums of Eskişehir, the Midas Monument (Yazılıkaya), and the pottery shops of Kütahya.

 

Photo: Hasan Kurt on Pexels

 

 

Kibyra

 

If you find yourself driving between the lavender fields of the Burdur lakes district and the gorgeous bay of Fethiye, then you can’t miss a stop in the impressive ancient city of Kibyra. It’s hardly known to tourists, but the Roman ruins are quite surprising, particularly the magnificent ancient theatre and a large odeon (music hall) with the one-of-a-kind Medusa mosaic. The city was rebuilt under the reign of Emperor Tiberius after the great earthquake of 23 AD, and many of the important structures are still standing today. Kibyra was a great economic and military power of Anatolia, known for gladiatorial fights, ironworks and horse breeding.

 

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Sagalassos

 

A 1-hour drive from Isparta (or 2 hours north of Antalya Airport), within the lakes region where lavender and rose fields create a treat for the nose and eyes each summer, the ancient city of Sagalassos has a sweeping scenic backdrop up in the Taurus Mountains. Alexander the Great conquered Sagalassos from the Persians, followed by the Hellenistic period, and then came the city’s period as a wealthy metropolis of Rome’s far-reaching empire. The ruins are remarkably well-preserved, and the magnificent Antonine Fountain in the upper agora steals the show with its multi-colored marble, supple statue replicas and flowing waterfall. Refreshed by the cold spring water, have a look out over the Ağlasun Valley and imagine how life once was for the Pisidians in this fertile region.

 

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Ancient Pamphylia (around Antalya)

 

Lost cities of antiquity fill the map around Antalya, Türkiye’s favorite southern Mediterranean vacation destination. Within a 1-hour driving radius of the big city you can find the ancient ruins of Perge, Aspendos, Side, Termessos, Neapolis, Ariassos, Pednelissos, Mnara, Phaselis and more. Many are overtaken by nature but provide an evocative rest-stop for trekkers on their way through the Turkish landscape.

 

The top ancient sites of central Antalya are Aspendos, Perge and Termessos. You could even visit these three in one day. Start with a morning hike to the Pisidian city of Termessos, with one of the most dramatic settings high up in the Güllük Mountains. Then, the former Hittite city of Perge will show you an excellent example of Roman architecture with magnificent remains. Finish with the great city of Aspendos, home to the best-preserved ancient theatre of the Mediterranean. After all this, get a better understanding of how all these cities connected and interacted with a visit to the Antalya Archaeological Museum.

 

Photo: Ben Kerckx on Pixabay

 

 

Ancient Lycia (around Kaş)

 

Further west of Antalya city (but still within the huge Antalya province), the ancient traveler would have come from the districts of Pisidia and Pamphylia to the enigmatic land of the Lycians. This region is completely breathtaking and mysterious, as hikers of the Lycian Way (a 320-mile trail) are well aware. The Lycians are particularly regarded for their unique funerary monuments, which include rock tombs cut into cliffsides and solitary stone sarcophagi.

 

For the modern traveler, it seems the epicenter of this region is Kaş, an idyllic seaside village that is bursting with vacationers on summer days. The town itself is built on the ruins of Antiphellos, one of the first Lycian cities. Stretching east up the coast to the port of Phaselis, and west as far as Dalyan, the ancient settlements of Lycia include Olympos, Myra, Simena, Patara, Aperlai, Xanthos, Tlos and more.

 

Photo: Arthur Shuraev on Pexels

 

 

The beaches in this area are a dream for rocky bays, sparkling clear water and a heavenly backdrop of nature and laidback villages.

 

These are our top historic highlights of the region …

 

At the end of a carefree stretch of protected beach, you come to what was the ancient port and city of Olympos. The ruins spread out on both sides of a river, revealing themselves as you pick your way through the forest and along burbling streams. You will see an excavation team still at work reclaiming the stones bit by bit.

 

Also nearby, you can witness the ‘eternal’ flame of Mt Chimera (Yanartaş), where tiny fires have been fueled for thousands of years by methane gas under the stone. Stretch out on the pebble shores of Olympos and Çıralı, a favorite for backpackers, mountain climbers and whoever wants a most relaxed beach experience.

 

Photo: Kadir Akman on Pexels

 

To the west of Kalkan, the twin city of Kaş, the ancient port city of Patara was the capital of the Lycian League. It is also famous as the birthplace of Saint Nicholas (aka Santa Claus), as well as the harbor where St. Paul boarded a ship for Rome after his sojourn in Anatolia. Patara is an ideal beach destination for those seeking a sandy shore. This protected beach is one of the few breeding grounds left for the endangered loggerhead sea turtles of the Mediterranean.

 

The sunken cities of Kekova and Aperlai can’t be missed. Reachable by boat, you can peer beneath the transparent water to see the ruins of Kekova (swimming is not allowed here). Much less visited, the partially-submerged tombs and ruins of Aperlai can be accessed by sea kayak or hike and provide the most serene and beautiful setting one can have at an ancient site.

 

Photo: Igor Schubin on Pixabay

 

 

Assos

 

On a windy hill overlooking the Turkish Aegean and the Greek island of Lesbos, the six remaining columns of the 6^th century Temple of Athena stand as the proud sentinels of a rich history. Assos delights first-time visitors with its breathtaking Acropolis views and connection to Aristotle, the ancient city’s most famous former resident. The area is a favorite among local travelers for its pretty old harbor at Behramkale, relaxed beach towns, and the incredible nature of Mt Ida National Park. If you like history and mythology, then don’t miss the excellent Troy Museum an hour away nearby the Dardanelle Strait.

 

Photo: Mert Kahveci on Unsplash

 

 

Knidos

 

The Datça peninsula is a place of beauty, an unspoiled segment of the Muğla province thanks to its more remote position (although there is a ferry connecting to Bodrum). Driving the length of the long, thin peninsula abundant with almond groves and pristine bays, you come to the ancient port city of Knidos. An important center of trade in ancient Caria, Knidos was also one of the earliest centers of medical knowledge. Ramble among the ruins, then catch the dramatic sunset from high atop a rocky point between the two bays of the ancient city.

 

Photo: Kate Mishchankova on Unsplash

 

Göbekli Tepe

 

Far from the Mediterranean coast, but within the sweep of territory that was the Fertile Crescent of Upper Mesopotamia, the Taş Tepeler are a group of Neolithic monuments in southeastern Türkiye. The ongoing archaeological digs are some of the most exciting for informing our understanding of the prehistoric world. With no evidence of farming, why did these hunter-gatherers decide to settle down? Are the T-shaped pillars at Göbekli Tepe the earliest ritualistic structures yet to be discovered? Or did they serve a different purpose?

 

 

Photo: Frank Samol on Unsplash

 

 

Stay in the nearby city of Şanlıurfa and visit its own Archaeological and Mosaic Museum. Hear the story of the Prophet Abraham at the pool called Balikli Göl and see the cave that marks the prophet’s birthplace, an important pilgrimage site. Local tradition also says that the nearby town of Harran is the same Biblical town where Abraham settled in the land of Canaan.

 

Enhance your journey in Türkiye by adding some of these lesser-visited ancient sites to your itinerary. Not sure how or where to start? Talk to one of our travel specialists for help planning your vacation so you can be confident that you don’t miss anything and get the best value at the same time!

 

 

 

Photo: Eşref Arı on Pexels

 

As of June 15^th, 2024, several of Türkiye's most popular archaeological sites will remain open and illuminated until late-night hours, giving you the chance to walk in the footsteps of history without sweltering temperatures and high visitor numbers. Currently, this project will especially impact Ephesus (open until midnight), as well as the southern Antalya region’s ancient cities of Aspendos, Side and Patara (open until 11pm).