Step into history: Discover ancient cities around the world!
Ancient cities found across the world carry the most magnificent traces of human history into the present day. Civilizations carved in stone, cities intertwined with legends, and structures thousands of years old create dramatic bridges between the past and the present. For those who wish to follow the traces of time, the journey of discovery begins now.
Persepolis Ancient City, Iran
Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the Ancient Persian Empire, was built as a symbol of power with its magnificent columns and stone reliefs. The kings’ reception halls and monumental stairways carry the splendor of the era to the present day. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this area is a unique destination for those who want to closely explore Persian history.
Cairo Ancient City, Egypt
Carrying the traces of Ancient Egypt, Cairo offers a multi-layered history stretching from pyramids to mosques. Alongside the Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx, the Grand Egyptian Museum displays thousands of years of artifacts through a modern narrative. You will never get tired of exploring this city where the past meets the present. With a different story in every corner, Cairo offers visitors a visually and culturally rich experience. This city, where history, art, and architecture intertwine, presents an unforgettable route of discovery.
Çatalhöyük 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. The settlement also offers valuable insights into humanity’s transition from nomadic life to permanent settlements.
Göbeklitepe Ancient City, 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.
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 of its time. As the base of Rome’s Fourth Legion, the site holds great historical value, and many of its most remarkable artifacts, such as the Statue of Mars and iconic mosaics like the Gypsy Girl, are exhibited at the Gaziantep Zeugma Mosaic Museum.
Angkor Wat, built in the 12th century by the Khmer Empire, is one of the largest temple complexes in the world and is renowned for its intricate reliefs. Chichen Itza is one of the most important centers of the Maya civilization and reflects advanced knowledge of astronomy and mathematics through the Kukulkan Pyramid. Athens, known as the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and art, is a symbol of Ancient Greek civilization, highlighted by the Acropolis and the Parthenon Temple. Petra, the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom, is a unique ancient city famous for its rock-cut structures and monumental architecture. These four sites are among the most powerful examples of cultural, scientific, and architectural heritage preserved from different civilizations to the present day
Istanbul (IST)to
Round-trip
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Istanbul (IST)to
Round-trip
Economy
Istanbul (IST)to
Round-trip
Economy
Istanbul (IST)to
Round-trip
Economy
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.
Pompeii Ancient City, Italy
Pompeii, lying in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, offers a unique time capsule of the Roman era. Streets, houses, and frescoes preserved by volcanic ash allow visitors to witness daily life in antiquity firsthand. For those who wish to touch history, a visit to Pompeii can be an unforgettable experience.
Anuradhapura Ancient City, Sri Lanka
Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka’s oldest royal capitals, stands out with its structures considered sacred in the Buddhist world. Massive dagobas, sacred trees, and monastery ruins reflect thousands of years of faith and cultural heritage. With its quiet and impressive atmosphere, the site offers a spiritual environment for exploration.
Hierapolis Ancient City, Denizli
Founded around healing thermal waters, Hierapolis is known as one of the most important health centers of the ancient world. With its theater, necropolis, and sacred structures, the city attracts attention and offers visitors a visual feast together with the white travertines of Pamukkale.