Ancient Cities That are Waiting to Be Discovered in Turkey

Turkey is one of the countries that witnessed important historical events in the past. Thanks to its geopolitical location and fertile lands, Anatolian lands have been the birthplace of many civilizations. These lands which host the major ancient civilizations from Hittites to Ionians, Lydians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans have very historical and cultural aspects. In fact, it is known that the first known human settlement is at Çatalhöyük/Konya circa 6200 B.C.to 7400.  Besides, Göbeklitepe, located in the northeast of Şanlıurfa and built 12,000 years ago, is known as one of the oldest ruins in the world. The temples in Göbeklitepe, which led to the rewriting of the transition to settled life, are from the stone age. The fact that these lands host different civilizations and being on the route of important trade routes caused many cultures to unite in these lands. Of course, the historical and cultural heritage of ruins in Turkey dating back to such ancient times and hosting different civilizations cannot be denied. Today, it is possible to see the traces of these different cultures in Turkey. What remains of these civilizations are ancient cities that fascinate us with their history. Ancient cities and ruins in Turkey, which continue this heritage with their locals and historical buildings, are waiting to be discovered by you in many regions of Turkey. Besides the perfect nature of Turkey, the existence of these ancient cities and old ruins are an excellent opportunity for you to have an inevitable holiday. With this content, you can learn about different ancient cities and all related topics with them in Turkey with the current information for 2021. Here are the most popular ancient cities in Turkey and what you need to know about them:

1. Çatalhöyük, Konya

Let’s start with the place known as one of the first settlements in the world: Çatalhöyük. This neolithic city site, which consists of two hills of different heights, was discovered in 1958. It has shed light on our day thanks to its ruins, which enabled us to obtain a lot of information about the life of that period. It is thought that the concept of property started in that period. The mother goddess motifs found here also give clues in terms of the religious views of the period. Located in Çumra district of Konya, Çatalhöyük Ruin was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2012. In order to reach Çatalhöyük, which is a bit difficult to reach, you can reach Çumra district by taking the minibusses departing from Konya old garage every 40 minutes. Then, you can use the vehicles to Çatalhöyük Neolithic City, but these vehicles only serve in the summer. Other times you may need to use a taxi. Entrance to the Neolithic city is free.

2. Alacahöyük, Çorum

Another stop is Alacahöyük Ruins, an important cultural and artistic center of the Hittites. Alacahöyük, which began to be discovered with excavations that began in 1935, is located in the Alaca district of Çorum. The artifacts found in the royal tombs dating back to 2500 BC attract a great deal of attention. However, the parts that survive today belong to the Hittites. The monumental entrance on the south side was built between the two towers. Sphinx Gate is 10 meters wide. Here, you can also visit the Alacahöyük museum, which contains artifacts from the Chalcolithic, Old Bronze Age and Hittite periods. There are no direct means of transportation to this ruin, which is 53 kilometers away from the city center. You have to travel by private car, taxi or you can rent a car. The entrance fee is 12.5 TL.

3. Troya Ruins, Çanakkale

If we slowly start heading towards the Aegean, one of the first stops could be Troy Ruins / Çanakkale. Troy Ruins, the earliest settlement layer dating back to the Bronze Age, is one of the most famous ancient cities in the world. There are a lot of series and movies about the Troya in Homer’s Iliad and Odysseia epics. There are several options for transportation to this world-famous city. The minibusses that you can take from the city center or Geyikli İskelesi depart every hour. Although it is a little difficult to find a minibus for return in periods when the number of visitors is low, it is possible to return with buses located 500 meters away. Since it is 1 km away from Tevfikiye Village, you can go from the village to the ancient city in 10 minutes by walking. If you want to reach the Troy by your private vehicle, it is possible to reach from the surrounding cities in about 3-4 hours. When you arrive at Troy Ruins, you can visit the ancient city of Troy, Troy Horse and Troy museum, which are very close to each other. If you want to visit Çanakkale and Troy Ancient City with local and up-to-date information, you can determine the most suitable route for yourself and set up your trip plans by filling out The Evaluation Form prepared for you.

4. Assos Ancient City, Çanakkale

Another ancient city you can visit in Çanakkale is Assos. The most important feature of this Antic City is that the settlement is still ongoing. This ancient city, which is connected to the Ayvacık district of Çanakkale, came under the rule of the Ottoman Empire in 1330 after the domination of Lydians, Persians, Romans and Byzantium. Besides, it is known that the famous philosopher Aristotle lived here and founded a philosophy school. The Temple of Athena, located at the highest point of the city, takes its name from Athena, one of the 12 Olympus Gods. This ancient city, which attracts attention with its extraordinary view, is located on an extinct volcanic hill. You can use the buses that depart from Ayvacık, Küçükkuyu and Altınoluk every hour to reach Assos by bus. Apart from that, it is also possible to reach by taxi or private car. Also, you can rent a car, too. If you want to visit Çanakkale and Assos with the daily plans prepared by the locals, you can find your ideal trip plan by using The Evaluation Form prepared by HeyTripster for you. Assos Ancient City is open to visitors every day.

A fee of 30 TL is required for entrance. If you want to visit both Troy and Assos Ancient City while you are in Çanakkale, it is possible to buy a combined ticket on the website of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. The price of this 72-hour ticket is 105 TL.

5. Ephesus Ancient City, İzmir

Let’s go to Izmir now. Ephesus, one of the most well-known ancient cities, is a very impressive metropolis. Its history goes back to the 5th thousandth years before Christ. In the thousandth years after Christ, it has become the largest city in the world. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015, Ephesus also houses the world’s largest ancient theater with a capacity of 24 thousand people in the period. It is possible to enter Ephesus Ancient City from two different gates. You have to walk about 1.5 kilometers to return to the door you entered from the door you exit from. Since it takes about 3 hours to visit the area, it is useful to go in the spring months. In terms of crowd, it would be more ideal to prefer spring months. If you are visiting Ephesus in the summer, I suggest you take sun protection items such as sunshades and a hat. If you want to visit İzmir and Ephesus with daily plans prepared by the local people, you can make your trip plan by using The Evaluation Form prepared by HeyTripster for you. Ephesus is 3 km away from İzmir’s Selçuk district. Getting here is easy with a private vehicle. If you want to use public transportation, you can reach Ephesus in about 35 minutes by taking Selçuk minibuses from Kuşadası bus station. The entrance fee to this magical city, which is open every day of the week, is 120 TL. Admission to teachers and students is free. You can enter Ephesus by using the Museum Card. The price of the Museum Card is 550 TL for tourist travelers and 60TL for citizens compared to 2021.  You can use it for a year while entering every museum.

6. Pergamon Ancient City, İzmir

Pergamon Acropolis Ruins, located in Bergama district of Izmir, entered the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014. Located at the top of the city, Pergamon has a history dating back to the 7th century BC. This city, which was built on a steep hill, became very famous with the city planning it made under the conditions of its period. The settlement plan, which is divided into two as upper and lower cities, includes the Temple of Athena, the Roman Emperor statues and the Pergamon library with 200 thousand volumes. You can visit İzmir and Pergamon Ancient City with daily plans prepared by the local people and make your trip plan by using The Evaluation Form prepared by HeyTripster for you.  Access here is very easy from the center of Bergama. If you come with your private vehicle, signs in the center will help. If you want to reach Bergama without entering, you can also turn left on the Manisa-Kınık road. It is also possible to reach it using the cable car or on foot. It should not be forgotten that it is about 3-4 km away and you will have to climb a steep hill.

Let me remind you once again that you can use a Museum Card.

7. Aizanoi Ancient City, Kütahya

One of the other ancient cities that has a very fascinating view even with its remaining part today is Aizanoi Ancient City. Aizanoi, which is 50 km away from the center of Kütahya, was the main settlement of Aizanitis, who lived in Phrygia. This region was underlying to Pergamon and Bithynia alternately during the Hellenistic Period. Then, in 133 BC, the region came under Roman rule.  It is known that the first coins started to be minted in this region, which was famous for wine and wool production during the Roman period. Here, in the middle of the area surrounded by colonnaded galleries, it is possible to see the Temple of Zeus and many other historical buildings on a podium. It is possible to reach Aizanoi thanks to the minibuses departing from the city center. You can also reach Kütahya-Çavdarhisar district buses. The entrance fee of this city, which has the world’s first known stock exchange, is 12.5 TL as of 2021. It is closed to visitors on weekends.

8. Aphrodisias Ancient City, Aydın

The ancient city Aphrodisias, named after Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty in mythology, is one of our enormous ancient cities whose uniqueness is also registered in the 41st World Heritage Committee of UNESCO. Known for its use as a temple in the Roman period, Aphrodisias is located in Aydın. The discovery of Aphrodisias is quite interesting. This city was explored when the famous photographer Ara Güler took photographs of the stones and columns, which he noticed when he lost his way one day. You can access the photos from this link: Ara Güler’in Gözünden Tüm Ayrıntılarıyla Aphrodisias 1958. The construction of the Temple of Aphrodite, which still manages to stand upright today, took about 150 years. The best and magnificent stadium in the world is also in this ancient city. A great festival and event took place in this stadium during its time. 2021 Access to the ancient city of Aphrodisias, whose entrance fee is 40 TL, can be done by minibuses from Aydın’s Karasu district. However, these minibuses only travel during the summer months. Apart from that, you can reach Aphrodisias after about 15 km by following the Kuyucak-Tavas road junction with your private vehicle or by renting a car.

9. Sagalassos Ancient City, Burdur

The ancient city of Sagalassos, one of the most historical points of the Mediterranean, is located in the Ağlasun district of Burdur. Sagalassos, one of the most important cities of the Roman Imperial Period, is known as the city of loves and emperors. First discovered by French traveler Paul Lucas in 1706, the city was founded on the mountain slope. A perfect view will be waiting for you while you are traveling. Since it is located in a very strategic location, it is very easy to reach Sagalassos, which has hosted many civilizations in history, by your private vehicle. Although the roads are asphalt, it is not possible to accelerate much because of the winding road. If you want to come to Ağlasun by public transportation, you can come from Burdur, Bucak and Isparta by minibuses. The entrance fee of Sagalassos, which is closed on weekends, is 17.50 TL in 2021.

10. Kaunos, Muğla

Another valuable ancient city with an acropolis, city walls, theater, bath, church, warehouse, agora, fountain and stoa worth seeing is the ancient city of Kaunos. This city, which attracts the most attention with its rock tombs, is connected to the Fethiye district of Muğla. It is also possible to see the rock tombs from Dalyan district. The acropolis, which forms the heart of the city, is built on a 152-meter-high hill. The ancient city, which was formed thanks to the alluviums accumulated around the sea, is therefore very suitable for the harbor structure. It was founded by Kaunos, the son of Miletos, who was exiled from his homeland for having an incestuous relationship with his twin brother of the city. Daily boats departing from Marmaris harbor can be used for transportation to the region. However, it is useful to know that there is a 1-hour walking track after the boat trip, which takes an average of 2 hours. The entrance fee is 17.50 TL as of 2021.

11. Hierapolis, Denizli

Hierapolis Ancient City, known as the city of water and faith, is located in Pamukkale district of Denizli. This city, which affects both ways with its magical natural beauty and historical structure, has been constantly demolished and rebuilt due to its location in an earthquake zone. It was an important settlement both in the Roman and Byzantine periods. During the Roman period, Hierapolis served as a thermal health center and its sources believed to be healing have been visited by people from different parts of Anatolia seeking health and beauty for thousands of years. The murder of St. Philip, one of the apostles of Jesus, here has caused it to become the center of Christianity since the 4th century. The main buildings of the city; Bath-Basilica, Latrina, Theater, Plutonium, Temple of Apollo, Water Channels and Nymphaeum, Churches and Great Bath Complex. It is possible to reach Hierapolis Ruins by buses departing from the city center or the bus station. With your private vehicle, you can reach the ancient city of Hierapolis after you take the Ankara Boulevard road from the city center and go to the Develi route and travel for about 20 kilometers. Hierapolis entrance fee is 110 TL as of 2021. After paying the entrance fee, you can visit both the archaeological site and the museum. Hierapolis, which was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988 as a cultural and natural heritage with Pamukkale Travertines, is open to visitors every day of the week.

12. Aspendos Ancient City, Antalya

Now we turn the route to Antalya. Aspendos, one of the most famous ancient cities, is one of the first cities to issue coins in its name. The ancient theater of Aspendos, which is located in Belkıs village and connected to the Serik district of Antalya province, was built by the Romans in the 2nd century AD. There is a basilica next to the Aspendos Antique Theater, which is one of the leading theaters with the most beautiful acoustics in the world, and the other ruins of the city are located behind the theater, above the acropolis. If you want to visit Antalya and Aspendos with daily trip plans prepared by the city’s locals and the most up-to-date information, you can find a trip plan for yourself by filling out our Evaluation Form. Aspendos Antique City and Aspendos Antique Theater are 49 km away from the center of Antalya. Transportation can be provided as follows: If you have a private vehicle, you can connect to the Alanya road from Antalya and continue on the road that deviates from the 44th kilometer immediately after connecting to the road and you can easily reach Aspendos after 2 kilometers. If you want to use public transportation, it is possible to get there by taking the buses from the city center to Serik district and getting off at the closest stop to Aspendos. Aspendos is open to visitors every day of the week. The entrance fee is determined as 60 TL for 2021.

13. Olympos Ancient City, Antalya

Perhaps one of the most well-known ancient cities, Olympos is known as the home of the gods. It is located in Kemer district of Antalya. Olympos was one of the six most developed and important cities of the Lycian civilization. Founded in the 3rd century BC, this ancient city also operated as a pilgrimage center. It spreads on both sides of the stream (Ulupınar) passing through the Olympos Ruins. These two collars are joined by a bridge that still has its traces. If you are going to walk the famous “Lycian Way”, it is worth remembering that the ancient city of Olympos and its vicinity constitute the seven-and-a-half-kilometer stage of this route. By following this road, you can reach a perfect beach and get the chance to watch the sea turtles. If you say that you will go to Olympos by bus, you should take the minibuses in Antalya Bus Station to Kumluca, Kaş direction and get off at the Olympos junction. From here, you can reach the ancient city by taking a minibus. However, private vehicles are recommended as the most ideal transportation. If you want to visit Antalya and Olympos Ruins with daily trip plans prepared by the city’s locals, you can find a trip plan for yourself with the most up-to-date information by filling out  The Evaluation Form. The entrance fee to Olympos Ruins is determined as 40 TL according to 2021.

14. Side Ancient City, Antalya

Another stop in Antalya is Side Antique City. It was one of the most important settlements of its period as a trade and port city. The city has hosted many civilizations in terms of its location. One of the two temples built in the period known as the Roman Peace, Side Apollon Temple is located here. Visiting this temple is free. On the other hand, it is also possible to visit the Ancient City, other than the Side Museum and Ancient Theater. The entrance fee of the museum is 30 TL, and the theater fee is 55 TL. Side Antique City, located 80 km east of Antalya and 7 km southwest of Manavgat, is located on a peninsula with a width of 350-400 meters in this region. If you use the intercity bus for transportation by private vehicle, you can use the minibuses that get off the Antalya-Side road and go to the ancient city. If you want to go with your private vehicle, you can use one of the Antalya-Side, Konya-Side, Alanya-Side roads according to your route. Side Apollon Temple is partially open as of 2021.  In the light of the most up-to-date information, if you want to take a look at the daily trip plans prepared by the locals about Antalya and Side Ancient City and find the best trip plan for you, you can fill out this  Evaluation Form.

15. Blaumdus Ancient City, Uşak

If one day you pass by Uşak, a wonderful ancient city awaits you. Blaumdus Ancient City, which is surrounded by deep valleys on 3 sides as a geographical location, will affect you deeply with its history and nature. There is a theater ruin on the eastern slope of the city and a 140 m long stadium just ahead of the castle entrance. In Blaumdus, where there are Greek and Latin inscriptions, there are 2 temples outside the castle and 1 temple in the center. A stream that meets the water needs of the city passes in the surrounding 100 meters deep canyon. Blaumdus Ancient City is located within the borders of Sülümenli village in Ulubey district of Uşak. Transportation to this city, which has an asphalt road, is possible by individual or by renting a car. Unfortunately, there is no minibus or public transportation to the ancient city of Blaumdus. The entrance to the Blaumdus Ruins is free.

16. Derinkuyu Underground City, Nevşehir

Let’s go a little bit towards Nevşehir. Cappadocia is a place known for its abundance of underground cities. Derinkuyu Underground City is the largest of these underground cities. The first inhabitants of the district date back to the Assyrians. This underground city, which has 8 floors, was named Derinkuyu because of the 60-70 meters long wells that meet the water needs of the city. By hiding in these cities whose entrances were not easily discerned, the first Christians who established the underground cities in the region were able to run away from the oppression of the Roman soldiers. Derinkuyu Underground City is in Derinkuyu district, on the Nevşehir-Niğde highway and 30 km away from Nevşehir. If you want to travel by bus, you can use the buses that depart from Nevşehir Airport every hour. With your private car, you can reach Derinkuyu from the city center or from Göreme road. I remind you that you can rent a car to travel. Signs on the roads will help you. With the date of 2021, the entrance fee to Derinkuyu Underground City is 60 TL. Here, I would like to remind you that the Museum Card can be used.

17. Göreme Ruins, Nevşehir

Another historical place where Nevşehir has hosted many civilizations is Göreme Ruins. This city, which is almost an open-air museum, is M.S. IV. XIII century. It is a rock settlement that hosted an intensive monastic life until the century. Göreme Open Air Museum, which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1985, is located in a valley and there are churches, chapels, dining halls and sitting areas in rock blocks. It is possible to see 10th century murals and examples of Byzantine art in most of them. You can even come to Göreme Open Air Museum on foot from Göreme district. Apart from that, minibuses depart from most parts of Cappadocia. As of 2021, the entrance fee to Göreme Ruins is 100 TL.

18. Nemrut Ruins, Adıyaman

Nemrut Ruins is one of the cultural heritage of our country, which was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987 and hosted the most domestic and foreign tourists. The extraordinarily beautiful monumental sculptures on the slopes of Mount Nemrut are located in the Kahta District of Adıyaman. These sculptures erected on the top of the mountain by Antiochos I, King of Commagene, to show his gratitude to the gods and their ancestors, are quite fascinating. These magnificent ruins of the Hellenistic Period sprawl the East, West and North terraces of Mount Nemrut at an altitude of 2206 meters with an extraordinary view. If you came to Adıyaman by plane, there is no public transportation that runs directly from the airport to Nemrut Mountain. Private car, car rental or taxi options are available. If you come by bus, daily tours are arranged from Adıyaman’s Kahta district to Nemrut. When you arrive with your private vehicle, you can leave your car in the parking lot next to the toll booths. It is possible to reach the summit by car, but it should not be forgotten that it is a very steep road to reach the summit. Approximately 10 minutes of road will be waiting for you.  The entrance fee is 30 TL.

19. Ani Ruins, Kars

Now, we go to the east and arrive at the Ani Ruins. Ani Ruins archaeological site on the Turkey-Armenia border, the Ani ruins, which were registered in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2016, are located in the southeast of Kars province. It is known that the history of Ani Ruins, also known as “The Land of Kings with a population of 100 thousand on the Silk Road”, dates back to 5000 BC. There is no direct public transport to Ani Ruins, but minibuses or taxis departing from the city center can be used. You can reach Kars by taking the train from Ankara, especially with the Eastern Express, which was very popular for a period. It will be very enjoyable thanks to the beautiful landscapes you see during this 24-hour journey. I am sure that Ani Ruins, which are currently temporarily closed, will open soon.

20. Gordion Museum and Tümülüs Ruins, Ankara

Finally, I want to talk about an old ancient city from our capital: Gordion. Gordion, the political and cultural capital of the Phrygian Kingdom, is located in Yassıhöyük, in Ankara’s Polatlı district. The city, whose first settlement traces date back to the Early Bronze Age (3000 BC), is known as one of the main centers of the ancient world. The Gordion Tumulus, located just east of the mound, is one of the most important necropoleis of the ancient world. Those who want to come to Gordion by public transport can reach here by taking the minibuses to Yassıhöyük village. These minibuses depart from Polatlı district. If you are coming with your private vehicle, you can reach Gordion by following the Gordion sign on the right side of the road after passing the Ankara-Eskişehir road. The entrance fee to Gordion Museum and Tumulus Ruins is 12.50 TL compared to 2021.

🌳🌏 HeyTripster donated a sapling on behalf of Ayşe Vuslat Erdoğan for sharing this blog post with us.