Turkey's Most Fascinating Ancient Cities and Historical Riches

Turkey has hosted many civilizations throughout history and is full of ancient cities that bear the traces of these civilizations. These ancient cities, which you can come across in every corner of Anatolia, shed light on the depths of history and attract attention with their impressive architectural structures and natural beauties. Here are 50 must-see ancient cities in Turkey.

1. Ephesus Ancient City (Izmir)

The world-famous Ancient City of Ephesus is one of the most important ancient settlements in Turkey. This city, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is known for its iconic structures such as the Temple of Artemis and the Library of Celsus.

2. Troy (Troy) Ancient City (Çanakkale)

Mentioned in Homer's Iliad and the scene of the Trojan War, the Ancient City of Troy fascinates visitors with its legendary history.

3. Hierapolis Ancient City (Denizli)

Located right next to the Pamukkale travertines, Hierapolis was an important health center in ancient times. It is also famous for its ancient theater and the Temple of Apollo.

4. Pergamon Ancient City (Bergama, Izmir)

Pergamon is a city dating back to the time of Alexander the Great and home to the first library in Asia. The city is particularly notable for its Acropolis and the Temple of Trajan.

5. Aspendos Ancient City (Antalya)

Aspendos , located in the Serik district of Antalya, has one of the best-preserved ancient theatres from the Roman period. This theatre is still used for events today.

6. Side Ancient City (Antalya)

Side , one of the most well-known tourist areas of Antalya, is famous for its ancient theater with magnificent views and the Temple of Apollo.

7. Xanthos Ancient City (Antalya)

Xanthos , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the largest and most important cities of the Lycian civilization. It is famous for its wonderful mosaics and tomb monuments.

8. Perge Ancient City (Antalya)

Perge is famous for its large agora, baths and stadium from the Roman period. Its ancient theatre and city walls are also among the structures worth visiting.

9. Gobeklitepe (Sanliurfa)

Göbeklitepe , the world's oldest known temple complex, is one of the discoveries that changed human history. This settlement, dating back 12 thousand years, is among the most important discoveries in the world of archaeology.

10. Aphrodisias Ancient City (Aydın)

Dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodisias is famous for its ancient school of sculpture. The city also has a well-preserved stadium and theatre.

11. Sagalassos Ancient City (Burdur)

Located in the north of the Mediterranean, Sagalassos is known as an important city during the Roman Empire. The Antonine Fountain and agoras in the city offer fascinating details.

12. Olympos Ancient City (Antalya)

Located in the Kumluca district of Antalya, Olympos attracts attention with both its ancient ruins and natural beauties. It is also famous for its natural gas leaks known as Yanartaş.

13. Myra Ancient City (Demre, Antalya)

Myra is a Lycian city famous for its rock tombs and ancient theater. It is believed that St. Nicholas (Santa Claus) lived here.

14. Hattusa Ancient City (Çorum)

Hattusa was the capital of the Hittite Empire. This ancient city is particularly known for the Lion Gate and Yazılıkaya temple and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

15. Patara Ancient City (Antalya)

Patara , the capital of Lycia, was also an important maritime trade center during the Roman period. It also houses the parliament building of the Lycian League.

16. Laodicea Ancient City (Denizli)

Located just near Hierapolis, Laodicea was one of the important trade centers of the Roman period. Its ancient theater and aqueducts are worth seeing.

17. Antandros Ancient City (Balikesir)

Located in the Gulf of Edremit, Antandros has rich mosaics and ruins from the Roman and Byzantine periods. Excavations in the city have shed light on a rich history.

18. Assos Ancient City (Çanakkale)

Located near Behramkale Village, Assos is especially famous for the Temple of Athena. This city was also known as a center of philosophy in ancient times.

19. Ephesus Ancient City (Kuşadası, Aydın)

Ephesus is an ancient city known for the ruins of the Temple of Artemis. One of the largest cities of the Roman period, Ephesus is notable for the Library of Celsus.

20. Priene Ancient City (Aydın)

Priene , located in the Aegean Region, is one of the best-preserved cities of the Hellenistic period. Its theatre and the Temple of Athena are especially interesting.