Turkey is a country that combines history and modernity in a way that makes it an ideal destination for travelers with a taste for cultural heritage. Turkey has a rich history of thousands of years with some of the most beautiful ancient ruins in the world, which give you a chance to look into the lives of the past civilizations, the Hittites, Lycians, Greeks, and Romans. Turkey has it all if you are interested by ancient cities, grand temples or great amphitheaters. So, if you are planning to visit these magnificent sites, then you can easily do it with Turkey Tour Packages as it will give you a hassle free travel experience.
Many of the sites have stories of art and power to tell, from the legendary city of Troy to the well preserved ruins of Ephesus. The past comes to you in Turkey no matter if you wish to walk on the marble streets of Hierapolis, admire on the splendid stone statues of Mount Nemrut or marvel at Aspendos Theatre with its overwhelming grandeur. The nine most fascinating ancient ruins in Turkey that every history enthusiast should visit are as follows:
Here are the 9 Most Fascinating Ancient Ruins in Turkey
1. Ephesus
Ephesus was a beautiful ancient city that was once a center of trade and culture of the Roman Empire. Ancient knowledge and architecture has been left to the stunning Library of Celsus, whose facade is designed intricately. Great Theatre could seat 25,000 spectators and the Temple of Artemis was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
2. Göbekli Tepe
Archaeologically speaking, Göbekli Tepe is an anomaly unrivaled at the time, as it is globally regarded as the world’s oldest known temple complex, around 9600 BCE. The main aspect of the site is an enormous T shaped limestone pillar with carved complex animal reliefs providing an insight into early religious and ceremonial practices. Göbekli Tepe is the oldest known human civilization predating Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.
3. Troy
While the archaeological site of Troy is famous as the legendary city described by Homer in the Iliad, the layers of ancient history that the site displays are more than 5,000 years deep. The ruins of the ancient city walls, grand structures left behind, and the replica of the famous Trojan Horse are all open to visitors. What survives of this once thriving city is offered up in this site, giving it a fascinating look into the mythological and historical significance of all that.
4. Hierapolis & Pamukkale
The ancient spa and religious city of Hierapolis was perched above the surreal white travertine terraces of Pamukkale in Greco Roman times. The theatre is well preserved, there is an extensive necropolis with elaborate tombs and the Antique Pool, also referred to as Cleopatra’s Pool, where visitors can still bathe in mineral rich thermal waters.
5. Aphrodisias
Aphrodisias was a major center of art, culture and religion in ancient Anatolia devoted to the goddess Aphrodite. Famous for its well preserved stadium, one of the best in the ancient world, as well as its grand temple and relief sculptures, the city was not a major center. It was also home to a prestigious school of sculpture that left an artistic mark on it.
6. Perge
The city of Antalya, once an ancient Greek, then Roman city, and finally Byzantine, has preserved fine ruins to be seen today. Impressive colonnaded streets, a vast stadium which once accommodated 12,000 spectators, grand temples and baths are what the city is known for. Perge was once a cultural and commercial centre which is now a fascinating place for history fans.
7. Aspendos
The most famous site of Aspendos is its breathtaking Roman theatre, one of the best preserved in the world, dating from the 2nd century AD. Today, it remains a concert and performance venue due to its remarkable acoustics. It also has a basilica, an aqueduct and ancient city ruins, all a reminder of how this was once a major Roman city.
8. Mount Nemrut
King Antiochus I of Commagene had a colossal stone statue of gods and rulers built at Mount Nemrut, which is a UNESCO listed site, in the 1st century BC (BC is the common abbreviation for Before Christ, which is the precursor to the present year). The site’s tomb sanctuary and these massive sculptures give the place a mysterious, awe inspiring aura. The ancient statues are often visited by hikers who hike to the summit before dawn to witness the breathtaking sunrise.
9. Xanthos & Letoon
Now UNESCO World Heritage sites, Xanthos and Letoon were the political and religious heart of ancient Lycia. The ruins contain great tombs, stone inscriptions and temples to Leto, Artemis and Apollo. Rich in information about Lycian culture, whether it is its wonderful burial traditions and blend of Greek and Persian influences in art and architecture, these sites yield something for everyone to enjoy.
Conclusion:
Each Turkey’s site is like stepping into a living museum, but exploring Turkey’s ancient ruins is just like stepping back in time to the past civilizations. From the grandeur of Ephesus to the enigmatic carvings of Göbekli Tepe, these historical landmarks showcase the rich cultural heritage of Turkey. Whatever it is wandering through the marble streets of Hierapolis, admiring the huge statues of Mount Nemrut, the legendary battles of Troy all of these sites provide you with an incredibly memorable trip to the past.
It is something that for history buffs and even curious travelers, are fascinated to know about served as ancient wonders. If you are looking to have a seamless trip and an enriching one, then do consider booking Turkey Holiday Packages that will help you with expert guided tours, comfortable accommodations, and hassle free transportation. Turkey has so much to offer, and so many awe inspiring moments to come, and a greater understanding of the civilizations that prospered there.