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Our country, which is rich in historical and cultural terms, carries traces of different civilizations in every corner. Ancient cities are among the most fascinating examples of these traces. Especially the Aegean and Mediterranean regions are very rich in terms of ancient cities. These cities offer a unique experience for those who are interested in history and culture. You can also follow the traces of the past by visiting ancient cities and learning about the lifestyles of different civilizations. For history enthusiasts who would like to turn their vacation into a time journey, we have compiled the must-see ancient cities in these regions.

Port City of Ancient Period: The Ancient City of Ephesus, İzmir

Ephesus, one of the most important ancient cities of Turkey, was both an important port city and a trade and cultural center during the Hellenistic, Roman and Ottoman periods. The Ancient City of Ephesus, which is considered a sacred visit center for Christian beliefs, contains many important buildings such as the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Artemis, Basilica of Saint John and the House of the Virgin Mary.

Discovery of Ara Güler: Aphrodisias Ancient City, Aydın 

Aphrodisias, located in Aydın province and belonging to the Roman Empire, is a city dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite. The ancient city, discovered and introduced to the public by our famous photographer Ara Güler in 1958, was discovered when archaeologists from America started researching in Geyre. There are many important buildings in the region such as the Temple of Aphrodite, Aphrodisias Stadium and Agora (bazaar). Aphrodisias Ancient City is also famous for its sculptors who created especially important works. The sculptures found during excavations in the city were exhibited in the Aphrodisias Ancient City Museum, which was opened in 1979.

Between The Two Islands: The Ancient City of Knidos, Muğla

Located at the tip of the Reşadiye Peninsula, the ancient city was founded between the islands of Kos and Rhodes, which were important centers of the ancient period. The Ancient City of Knidos includes the Temple of Apollo, the Knidos Theatre, an agora used as the commercial center of the city and a necropolis where the graves of important people are located.

The Ancient City of Knidos fascinates its visitors with its magnificent view and historical atmosphere. The Lion of Knidos, which was found near the ancient port of Knidos in 1858, is one of the important Ancient Greek sculptures in the city. However, this sculpture is currently on display far from home, in the British Museum in London.

Patara Ancient City, Muğla-Antalya

The ancient city, located within the borders of the Fethiye district of Muğla and Kaş district of Antalya, is one of the most important and oldest cities of the Lycian civilization. It is possible to find traces of a Roman bath, Patara Theatre, Corinthian Temple, port and granary in Patara. The city, which also hosts Patara Beach, promises its visitors a journey through time.

The City Famous for Its Architecture: Perge Ancient City, Antalya

The ancient city, located in the Aksu district of Antalya, is known as one of the most orderly cities in Anatolia during the Roman Period. In the ancient city, the ancient theater with a capacity of 15 thousand people is one of the places that attracts the most attention of visitors. The historical artifacts in the theater, which hosted gladiator fights in its time, are now exhibited in the Perge Theater Hall in the Antalya Museum.

Unique Meeting of Nature and History: Pamukkale Hierapolis Ancient City, Denizli

The ancient city located in Pamukkale, famous for its white travertines, has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1988. Hierapolis, which draws attention with its thermal water resources, served as a thermal health center in ancient times.

The most important structures of Hierapolis include a large theatre, North and South Byzantine gates, Roman baths and the sanctuary of Apollo. The meeting of the natural beauties and the ancient city of Pamukkale offers its visitors a unique experience and a wonderful view.

Traces of the Lycian Civilization: Xanthos-Letoon, Antalya

Xanthos-Letoon, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is a complex containing two important ancient cities of Lycia. Famous for its rock tombs, Xanthos is known as the largest administrative center and capital of Lycia in ancient times. Letoon is known as one of the most important religious centers of the period and has great cultural importance. The famous Temple of Leto, located in the sanctuary of Letoon, is dedicated to Artemis and Apollo, Leto's divine twin children. Visiting these two historical sites together can be an excellent opportunity to discover the depth of the Lycian Civilization.

A Comfortable Accommodation Experience at Elite World Kuşadası

If you would like to have a comfortable accommodation experience while taking a short journey into the past, you can choose Elite World Kuşadası. Located only 18 km away from the Ancient City of Ephesus, the hotel may be ideal for those who would like to go on a historical exploration, especially in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions.

Elite World Kuşadası aims to host its guests in the best possible way with its food and beverage areas with different designs and concepts, Fit Life & SPA center where you can relieve the tiredness of the day and have a peaceful time and sea view rooms. If you would like to spend this summer holiday in Kuşadası and enjoy exploring the ancient cities, you can contact Elite World Kuşadası and make your reservation right away.