The Most Famous Ancient Cities and Treasures of Turkiye

May 9, 2024 / PRZen / DUBAI MEDIA CITY, UAE -- At the Heart of the Legend: Troy

There are fascinating ancient cities all around Türkiye, but certainly one of the most renowned is Troy, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Set on the foothills of the Ida Mountains in Çanakkale, Troy – with nine different city layers – has been home to multiple settlements and civilizations. As the setting for the Trojan War in Homer's ancient epic, The Iliad, Troy is the first stop on the Aeneas Route, the only Council of Europe-registered cultural route that starts in Türkiye.

The Magnificent Harbour City: Ephesus

Another celebrated ancient city in Türkiye in the Aegean region is Ephesus, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. Continuously inhabited for approximately nine thousand years, from the prehistoric to the Ottoman periods, Ephesus was one of the world's largest port cities in its heyday and is currently among the world's best-preserved archaeological sites. Structures in the Ancient City include the Library of Celsus, and the great theatre, the largest in Türkiye with a capacity of 30,000 spectators; the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; the Mazaeus and Mithridates Gate; Hadrian's Temple; and the terrace houses. Visit the Ephesus Experience Museum, the site's newest attraction, for an interactive experience of the landmarks and life of Ephesus.

An Ageless Healing Centre: Hierapolis

Adjacent to the Pamukkale travertines in Denizli is Hierapolis, an important healing and health centre in antiquity. Two thousand years ago, the travertines had attracted attention in the Kingdom of Pergamum and the Pergamenes began building in the area. The ancient city was called Hierapolis, in honour of Hiera, the wife of Telephos, the legendary founder of Pergamum. The most remarkable structures in Hierapolis include the Roman Bath and the ancient theatre. Additionally, the city's Ancient Pool, featuring columns and marbles, is often open to visitors, who can immerse themselves in the same warm (36 degree) waters allegedly enjoyed by Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt.

An Ancient Treasure with Splendid Acoustics: Aspendos

One of the best-preserved ancient theatres in the world is in Aspendos, set in the Serik district of Antalya in the Mediterranean region. The most distinctive element of the city's storied theatre – which has inspired numerous legends – are its superb acoustics. These skillfully devised acoustics have stood the test of time and can be experienced today at the Aspendos Theatre, which continues to host concerts and shows. The Aspendos Aqueducts are another magnificent structure in the city and one of the best examples of a preserved ancient waterway.

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Source: Turkish Tourism