Ruins of Turkey

The ancient city of Ephesus is located in the Aegean region alongside the coast of Lonia. Full of historical sites and ruins of temples and monuments from the Neolithic Age, Ephesus is home to one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, i.e. Temple of Artemis. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ephesus also houses the Gospel of John, one of the seven churches in Asia mentioned in the Book of Revelation.

The ancient city of Troy is one of those places in Turkey that locals and tourists visit. Being nearly 5,000 years old, the city's ruins depict the presence of some of the greatest rulers of the ancient world. These include Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar, who invaded the city with the help of the Trojan Prince Aeneas. Built and demolished nearly nine times, the city ruins speak of the massacre during the historical Trojan War even today. Many such interesting facts can be learned on your trip to Troy.

Translating to “Potbelly Hill”, Gobekli Tepe is a must-visit place for you if you are fond of architecture and history. Situated around 12 kilometers from Urfa city, this archaeological site is located in the Southeast Anatolia region of the country. The place was discovered by German archaeologist Klaus Schmidt, who believes that the site possesses the ruins of the world’s first temple! Even the ruins present here date back to nearly 11,000 years, around 5,000 years older than Stonehenge! With such an interesting site present in Turkey, you must visit the place during your trip.

Situated close to the Antalya province of Turkey, Aspendos is a famous historic attraction that was once a Greco-Roman city in Pamphylia. It is divided into the Lower and Upper City and is renowned for its magnificent architecture dating back to the Antiquity. The most famous attraction here is a Roman theatre which is among the best-preserved ones in the world. Aspendos is mostly visited on a tour from Antalya and Side.

Hierapolis is an ancient Greek city next to Pamukkale in the Denizli Province of Turkey. The city dates back to the Hellenistic Period and still contains its magnificent ruins. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is mainly known for its hot springs that have been used as a spa since the 2nd century BC. The site is also home to the Tomb of Philip the Apostle.

Termessos is a mountaintop city and one of the best-preserved ancient locations in Turkey, famous for the remains of old structures. It is located in the Gulluk Dagi National Park, northwest of Antalya, divided into Upper and Lower City. Also called Eagle’s Nest, it is visited for its natural and architectural splendor. Termessos has ruins of temples, cemeteries with rock-cut tombstones, houses, statues, etc.

An ancient city situated amidst the Catarrhactes and Cestrus rivers, east of the Antalya province in Turkey, Perge dates back to the Bronze Age. It is famous for its splendid architecture associated with the Hellenistic Period and is home to several impressive structures. The highlight of Perge is the Stadium of Perge and a Greco-Roman theatre. Another popular attraction is Hadrian’s Gate, a three-arched marble gateway with intricate carvings.

The ancient city of Phaselis was a Roman and Greek settlement. Its ruins today are found in Tekirova, Kemer, in the Antalya province. The city's 24m wide main street still exists, and along its sides are the ruins of stores and shops. The ruins of public places, such as the large and small Roman baths, the Tetragonal Agora, and Domitianus Agora, are also seen on the side of the main street.

Selge was an important trading hub in ancient Pisidia that later got included in the Pamphylia region between the Mediterranean Sea and the southern slope of Mount Taurus. Currently located in Altinkaya village of Antalya Province in Turkey, Selge is a titular see of the Roman Catholic Church. Only a few traces of the old city remains for visitors to explore. Remnants of a stoa, a basilica, a stadium, and a gymnasium can be traced along with parts of the perimeter wall and the Acropolis.

The Apollon Temple of Side is a remarkable treasure of Turkey. Also known as the Symbol of Side, the temple was built in dedication to Apollo- the Greek God of sun, light, dance, music, archery, truth and healing. Sunsets are a breathtaking view at the temple, and it is also situated near the beach, which adds to the dreamy scenery.

Olympos, or Olympus, is situated along the Mediterranean coast in Turkey’s Antalya province and is a tropical village that is perfect for a relaxing vacation. It is known for its Roman theatre, a bridge, a temple, a Byzantine basilica, chamber tombs and defensive walls, all of which are in ruins. This ancient city also lies on the way to Olympos Beach, which is ideal for swimming, relaxing, observing the Caretta caretta (sea turtles), and watching the sunset.

Basilica Cistern is the largest cistern in the city of Istanbul, built underneath the Stoa Basilica. It has hundreds of decorated columns and is a simply breathtaking piece of architecture. There is only a few feet of water in the cistern today, above which platforms are built for people to tour it.

Timings : 9:00 - 18:30 Mid April - Sepyember, 9:00 - 17:30 November - Mid April

Entry Fee : TRY 20

Hattusha, an archaeological site, once enjoyed the status of the Hittite Empire's capital. Hattusha is known for its urban planning and the various surviving ruins, including temples, royal residences, and fortresses. The lavish Lions' Arch, Royal Gate, and the Yazilikaya group of rock art are some of the architectural delights here. Now recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Hattusha is a must-visit in Ankara.

Best Time to Visit : 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Time required to visit Hattusha : 4-5 Hrs

Ticket Prices : 10 TRY

Priene is one of the most ancient cities in Turkey. It is located on a hillside 35 km from Kusadasi and 10 km north of the Menderes River. Tourists can explore the traces of the once glorious and well-structured ancient city. The temple of Goddess Athena is Priene’s most prized historical site. Priene is also home to a Byzantine-period church built in the 5th century.

Ruins of the ancient city of Anemurium is a 500 m stretch along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, near the modern town of Anamur on the Southern Coast of Turkey. Even though Anamur is primarily an Agricultural town, the scenic beaches, the ancient city, including the castle of Mamure, and the magnificent necropolis attract visitors. Anemurium has many historical sites like public baths, a covered odeum and a theater.