Step into history: explore the ancient cities of Türkiye!
Zeugma Ancient City, Gaziantep
Established on the banks of the Euphrates River in Gaziantep, Zeugma Ancient City is believed to have been home to approximately 80,000 people, earning it the title of “one of the largest cities in the world” for its time. As the base for Rome’s Fourth Legion, the site holds immense value. Some of the site’s most notable artifacts can be found at the Gaziantep Zeugma Mosaic Museum, including the Roman-era Statue of Mars and stunning mosaics like the Achilles and Gypsy Girl mosaics; the latter, in particular, is an iconic symbol of Zeugma. Visiting the historic and impressive Zeugma Ancient City will make your trip to Gaziantep unforgettable.
Side Ancient City, Antalya
Side Ancient City, the major port of Pamphylia founded in the 7th century BC, reflects Greek, Roman, and later civilizations. Its unique Roman theater and the Temple of Apollo stand out, offering both history and stunning sunset views.
Çatalhöyük Neolithic Ancient City, Konya
Çatalhöyük Neolithic Ancient City, one of the oldest and largest Neolithic settlements, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2018. Its two mounds display Neolithic art (7400–6200 BC) and Chalcolithic culture (6200–5200 BC). Located in Konya’s Çumra district, it reflects early social order and community life.
Perge Ancient City, Antalya
Scholars have determined that Perge Ancient City has existed since the Early Bronze Age; an important trade and cultural center during the Lycian and Roman periods, Perge is famous for its agora, monumental fountains, baths, water channels, and Hellenistic towers. The well-preserved theater, which can seat 13,000 people, and the stadium, which can accommodate 12,000 spectators, are the most valuable structures in the Ancient City. A walk through Perge evokes traces of history at every step and the liveliness of ancient times.
Hierapolis Ancient City, Denizli
Known as the “holy city” for its temples and religious structures, Hierapolis Ancient City was known in antiquity as a healing center due to its thermal waters and baths. The Ancient City, where you can see traces of Roman and Byzantine civilizations, contains important structures such as the Great Bath Complex, the Hierapolis Theater, the Gymnasium, and the Agora, as well as the Latrina of Hierapolis, an ancient Roman public toilet. Set next to the beautiful Pamukkale Travertines in Denizli, Hierapolis Ancient City presents a visit replete with nature and history.
Bergama Ancient City (Pergamon), Izmir
Bergama Ancient City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014, showcases the legacy of Pergamon, capital of the kingdom between 282–133 BC. Highlights include the Agora, Gymnasium, Red Basilica, Altar of Zeus, Temple of Athena and Trajan, a vast theater, and the Asklepion healing center.
Aspendos Ancient City, Antalya
Aspendos Ancient City in Antalya is famed for its Roman theater, celebrated worldwide for its architecture and acoustics. Visitors can also see its aqueducts, Agora, Basilica, monumental fountain, and temples—making Aspendos an unmissable stop on your Antalya journey.
Göbeklitepe Archaeological Site, Şanlıurfa
Set near the village of Örencik in the Şanlıurfa province, Göbeklitepe is believed to be the world’s oldest archaeological temple. Discovered in 1963, Göbeklitepe, at 12,000 years old, is not an ancient settlement but a cult (worship) center. Göbeklitepe illuminates the lives of hunter-gatherers, the beginnings of agriculture and animal husbandry, and the birth of art. This structure, invaluable in terms of archaeology and human history, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2018.
Ephesus Ancient City, Izmir
Established around 6000 BC, Ephesus Ancient City is home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Located approximately three kilometers from Izmir’s Selçuk district, the Ancient City contains a multitude of notable structures, including the Magnesia Gate, the Varius Baths, the Temple of Domitianus, the Pollio Fountain, and St. John’s Church. A visit to Ephesus Ancient City during your trip to Izmir will take you on a journey through history and civilizations.
Myra Ancient City, Antalya
Myra Ancient City in Antalya’s Demre district was once the capital of Lycia and later a Christian bishopric. Its Roman theater, Lycian rock tombs, and the Byzantine-era St. Nicholas Church stand out, while its location on the Lycian Way offers both history and natural beauty.