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Europe Turkey See & Do

9 Ancient Sites and Cities You Should Visit

in Turkey

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A panorama of the famous Termessos theater | © Chris Walsh / Flickr

FERIDE YALAV-HECKEROTH
UPDATED: 27 MARCH 2018

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The number of ancient sites in Turkey is truly staggering. Here are some
of the most popular and some of the more remote (though equally
stunning) ancient sites in Turkey.
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Ephesus
Archaeological site

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Th ifi tC l Lib i E h |© i h l b li / Fli k

The magnificent Celsus Library in Ephesus | © michael.berlin / Flickr

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Certainly the most popular and well-preserved of the archeological sites, Ephesus
dates back to the 10th century, and combines Greek, Roman, and early Christian
culture. Its most famous structures are the Library of Celsus and the Temple of
Artemis, as well as the nearby House of the Virgin Mary.

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Mon - Sun: 8:00 am - 6:30 pm

Uğur Mumcu Sevgi Yolu, Selçuk-Izmir , Turkey

+902328926010

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Göbekli Tepe
Archaeological site

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The main excavation site at Göbekli Tepe | © Dan Merino / Flickr

Discovered by German archaeologist Klaus Schmidt in 1994, Göbekli Tepe was an

astounding find that completely altered what was known about prehistory. It’s
believed that the temple structures were built about the 10th millennium BCE, and
therefore are the oldest example of such large-scale architecture in the world.

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Dağeteği Mahallesi, Haliliye/Şanlıurfa, Turkey

Termessos
Archaeological site

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The captivating theater of Termessos | © Panegyrics of Granovetter / Flickr

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Another very well-preserved ancient site, Termessos is famous for its theater that
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looks out over the breathtaking Taurus Mountains, at an altitude of more than

1000 meters. Once a Psidian city, the site is almost entirely concealed by
beautiful pine forests.

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Mon - Sun: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Bayatbademleri Mahallesi, Korkuteli/Antalya, Turkey

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Aphrodisias
Archaeological site

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Tetrapylon, entrance gate to Aphrodisias | © oarranzli / Flickr

 py , g p

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The ancient Greek city of Aphrodisias took its much-deserved
a city place on the
UNESCO World Heritage List in 2017, but continues to remain quite unknown to

travelers. Named after Aphrodite, the goddess of love, the site’s most stunning
structure is the Temple of Aphrodite.

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Mon - Sun: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm

Geyre Mahallesi, Karacasu/Aydın, Turkey

+902564488086

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Hierapolis
Archaeological site

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The beautiful ancient city of Hierapolis in summer | © Chris Parfitt / Flickr a city

Many are familiar with the travertine pools of Pamukkale, but fewer are familar
with the ancient city of Hierapolis nearby. Once a significant destination for its
healing hot springs, it’s still possible to swim in the hot mineral waters and visit
the city’s great Roman theater.

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Mon - Sun: 6:30 am - 9:00 pm

Kale , Pamukkale/Denizli, Turkey

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Hattusha
Archaeological site

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The Lion's gate at the ancient city of Hattusha | © Maarten / Flickr

Once the capital city of the Hittite Empire, Hattusha is one of Turkey’s most
important archeological sites, dating back to the Bronze Age. The remains
continue to stun visitors, including one of the ancient world’s most sophisticated
libraries, as well as underground tunnels, temples, and palaces.

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Hisar Mahallesi, Boğazkale/Çorum, Turkey

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Sardis
Archaeological site

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The well preserved gymnasium at Sardis | © simonjenkins' photos / Flickr

This place was the former capital of the kingdom of Lydia, as well as an important
city in the Persian Empire and a metropolis during the Roman and Byzantine eras.

Sardis’ highlights include royal burial mounds, the Temple of Artemis, and a
synagogue.

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Sart Mahallesi, Salihli/Manisa, Turkey

Priene
Archaeological site

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The Temple of Athena, funded by Alexander the Great in Priene | © oarranzli / Flickr
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An ancient Greek city that once overlooked the sea from its steep slopes and
terraces, Priene is famous for its significant works of Hellenistic art and
architecture. Notable structures include the Temple of Athena, an agora and stoa,
an assembly hall, and a well-preserved theater.

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Güllü Bahçe, Söke/Aydın , Turkey

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Mount Nemrut
Archaeological site

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The East Terrace of the stunning Mount Nemrut site | © Klearchos Kapoutsis / Flickr
Located at the peak of Mount Nemrut, this ancient mausoleum was built by built
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by King Antiochus I of Commagene for himself around 63 BCE. The statues all
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around are truly breathtaking and were once as high as nine meters.

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Kayadibi Köyü, Kâhta/Adıyaman , Turkey

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