Myth, Wealth & Power: The Best Ruins in Turkey

Empires rose and fell across Turkey, leaving behind a legacy of stone and story. From humble settlements to sprawling metropolises, the landscape is dotted with the remnants of ancient civilizations. Here are the most remarkable ancient ruins in Turkey.

For centuries, Greeks, Persians, and Romans battled over the lands of modern-day Turkey, leaving behind some of the world’s most extraordinary ancient ruins.

From grand imperial capitals to remote mythological outposts, these sites offer a window into the power, wealth, and legends of the past.

Turkey’s ancient ruins tell a story of empires that rose and fell, of gods and warriors, and of civilizations that shaped history. Towering amphitheatres, sprawling temples, and crumbling city walls stand as reminders of an era long gone but never forgotten.

Some sites, like Ephesus, showcase the grandeur of Rome at its peak, while others, hidden in rugged landscapes, whisper tales of Troy and the gods of Olympus.

Our guide covers the best of the ruins in Turkey, starting with the ancient ruins and progressing through to Byzantine sites.

WHAT IS ANCIENT?

Ancient History roughly covers the period from 3,000 BCE to 500 CE, but it is often confused with Classical Antiquity, which covers the period from the beginning of recorded Greek History in 776 BCE to the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE.

In this guide, we cover towns and villages from the early ancient period that passed from Greek to Persian hands before the successful invasion of Alexander the Great returned them to Greek rule once again.

From the later ancient period, we explore once-great cities and temples erected by the Roman Empire before the western empire fell and the capital moved to Constantinople (today’s Istanbul).

From the fall of the Western Roman Empire, we finish with a few ruins in Turkey that are no longer ancient, passing into the Byzantine period.

MAP: HISTORICAL RUINS IN TURKEY MAP

Turkey’s ancient ruins are predominantly spread around the western side of the country. The best way to see all these sites with the flexibility you will want to enjoy them at your own pace is on our Turkey road trip.

Before you take off, read tips on driving in Turkey.

For all the details on seeing the ruins and buildings in Istanbul, read our 5-day itinerary and our guide to the best attractions in Istanbul.

ANCIENT RUINS IN TURKEY

1. TROY

There is not a lot to see in Troy. There are no grand theatres, towering temples, or mighty walls or monumental baths. Even the sea that once surrounded this ancient hill town, has receded into the distance.

But what Troy has, is the mystery of legend. In the 8th century BCE, Homer wrote his famous poem the Iliad telling the story of how the Greek kings capture Troy after the ten-year Trojan War.

Wandering around the rubble of Troy it’s easy to envisage Homer’s tale. See the ramp and western gate through which Achilles was shot in the ankle and died and the line of blackened rocks where the Greek kings burnt the defeated city to the ground.

Walk in the footsteps of Alexander the Great, Xerxes, Julius Caesar and Augustus, who all came to Troy to honour the Greek heroes and legends of the past.

Getting there – Troy is around a 4.5-5 hour drive from Istanbul via the Osmangazi Bridge or ferry via Çanakkale.

Hours – Troy is open from 8:30 am – 7 pm (Apr-Oct) and 8:30 am – 5 pm (Nov-Mar).

Tours – If you dont’ have your own car, you can take a full-day tour from Istanbul.

2. APOLLON SMINTHEION

Strolling the lands south of Troy, a group of Cretans were attacked by an infestation of mice. Recalling an old prophecy which said they should settle where they were overrun by the ‘sons of earth’, they decided to stay and build a temple.

They named it Apollo Smintheus (Apollo the Slayer of Mice).

In the 8th century BCE, according to Homer, the daughter of the local priest at the temple was captured by King Agamemnon during the battle for Troy.

The priest prayed in anger to the ‘Slayer of Mice’, and the god sent a plague over the Greek army.

The Romans built the temple that sits on the site today in the 2nd century.

Leaving the motorways and meandering the winding country lanes of the Biga Peninsular, getting to Apollon Smintheion is a beautiful drive through a landscape that has barely changed since ancient times.

Getting there – Apollon Smintheion is 90 kilometres from Çanakkale. Drive south from Çanakkale via the D550/E87 highway, then follow signs for Ezine and Gülpınar.

Hours – Apollon Smintheion is open from 8 am – 8 pm (Apr-Oct) and 8 am – 5 pm (Nov-Mar).

3. MILETUS

Populated as early as 3500 BCE, Miletus became a Mycenaean stronghold from 1450 to 1100 BCE  and later one of the greatest Greek cities in the east.

Built on a prosperous wool trade, it developed into a bustling city and seaport which in the 6^th century became a hub for literature, science and philosophy.

Over the next couple of hundred years, it would switch between Greek and Persian rule, reaching its apex shortly after Alexander the Great recaptured it in 334 BCE.

Today, it is a sprawling complex offering a grand overview of all these changes.

Stroll the grid system of streets (which became a template for future Roman cities); explore the Greco-Roman theatre that is still in excellent condition; and watch the Ionic Stoa of the Sacred Way reflected in the (often) flooded plains.

Getting there – Miletus is around 140 km from Selçuk (Ephesus), which is a 2-hour drive. There is free parking onsite.

Hours – Miletus is open from 8:30am – 7pm (summer); 8:30am – 5pm (winter).

4. TERMESSOS

Set 1150 metres high in the Güllük Mountains, Termessos is one of the most fascinating and atmospheric ancient ruins in Turkey.

Famously known as the city that could not be conquered by Alexander the Great, it is a wonderful mix of crumbling ruins in a dramatic and remote setting.

The original holders of the land, the Luvi, were the first people to settle the mountain city and they were later followed by the Greeks then the Romans. The oldest ruins still visible on the site today date back to the Greek (Hellenistic) Period.

The site includes a gymnasium where boys were trained to attend the Olympic Games, and the Paleastra, a sports centre for everyone else.

The main attraction, however, is the incredible theatre built into the side of a mountain. It had a capacity for 4,500 people and today it’s well-preserved but crumbling just enough to be thoroughly atmospheric.

Archaeological works have never taken place on the site, so little is known about Termessos and it remains completely untouched.

There are a few barely discernible walking paths, but you are free to roam as you please. Given the untouched nature of the site and lack of information, it’s useful to hire a guide to help bring it to life.

Getting there – Termessos is approximately 37 km northwest of Antalya, with a driving time of about 45 minutes.

Hours – Termessos is open from 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (April 1 – October 31) and 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (November 1 – March 31)

Tours – This tour from Antalya includes Termessos and the Duden Waterfall.

5. LYCIAN ROCK TOMBS

Before Alexander arrived in southern Turkey, Lycians dominated the area.

They were experts in stonemasonry and built tombs hewn into the rock. Believing the souls of the dead would be transported to the afterworld by magic winged sirens; many were constructed into coastal cliffs.

Hundreds of these rock-cut tombs still survive today.

The most famous is the Tomb of Amyntas overlooking the town of Fethiye. Others can be found next to the theatre in Myra, but the most fun to visit are at Dalyan.

Located across the river from the town of Dalyan, it’s a wonderful boat ride and a short walk to explore both the rock-cut tombs and the ancient city of nearby Kaunos. The views from the city walls, which take in the winding river meandering out to sea, are lovely.

Getting there – This full-day tour from Marmaris includes time on Turtle Beach before exploring the rock tombs.

6. HERAKLEIA AD LATMOS

The village of Kapıkırı sits on the banks of Lake Bafa under the towering summit of Mount Latmus, where villagers live a traditional way of life supported by subsistence farming.

Scattered around the village are the remnants of Herakleia ad Latmos, one of the most evocative and picturesque ancient ruins in Turkey.

The original city walls, built around 300 BCE, extended for 6.5 kilometres and supported 65 towers. Today, they remain some of the best-preserved walls in the ancient world.

The Temple of Athena occupies a stunning position perched on a promontory overlooking the lake.

Herakleia is less visited than the other sites in this guide, and the town of Kapıkırı is a wonderful excursion into a very rural and local part of the country. It was one of our favourite places in Turkey.

You can swim across a small section of the lake to an island where ancient foundations can still be found.

Getting there – Kapıkırı is 25 kilometres north of Milas on the Söke-Milas Road (D525). From the village, follow the signs to Lake Bafa or Herakleia.

7. ASSOS

Assos is a small hill town on the Aegean coast that packs a historical punch.

When Aristotle left the Platonic Academy in Athens, he settled in Assos and opened an academy.

Working with other philosophers, he explored the nearby lagoons of Lesbos, researching zoology and biology, before heading to Macedonia to tutor Alexander the Great.

Today, magnificent views over the Mediterranean are complemented with well-preserved ruins.

Six of the 38 columns of the Temple of Athena (530 BCE) are still standing, as is the 4th-century city wall and gate. The 3rd-century Assoss Theatre, which was built for 5,000 people, is one of the best preserved in Turkey.  

There is a market along the road to the town with several cafes welcoming guests with hearty Turkish hospitality. It’s a wonderful way to experience Turkey’s ancient ruins.

Getting there – Assos is approximately 1.5 hours drive from Çanakkale (about 90 km).

Hours – Assos is open from 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (April 1 – October 31) and 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (November 1 – March 31)

8. PRIENE

Priene was purpose-built, according to plan, as a deep water port.

A succession of terraces on a steep hill rose from the bay to a height of 380 metres.

The walled centre had a small but dense urban population, designed on a grid layout divided into 80 blocks and shared between four districts.

However, the city only lasted for a few centuries. The bay silted up, the port became inaccessible, and the people abandoned the city.

Today, it’s one of the best examples of Greek city planning, and it’s quite possible you’ll have the entire site to yourself.

Don’t miss the Temple of Athena and its five remaining pillars. Sit on the “throne” at The Bouleuterion and summon the power of ancient heads of state.

Getting there – Priene is located near the village of Güllübahçe, around 2 hours drive from Izmir on the D525. It’s just 20 kilometres from Miletus so you can easily visit them both in one day.

Hours – Priene is open from 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (April 1 – October 31) and 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (November 1 – March 31).

9. THE TEMPLE OF APOLLO

As you approach the Temple of Apollo, it doesn’t seem that impressive.

Only three columns are still standing, with a pediment across the top of two of them. It is not particularly ornate, nor does it have a dramatic location.

But as you descend into the temple, the reason behind its status becomes obvious.

Apollo is colossal. Unlike many of the other historical sites in Turkey, the Temple of Apollo shows the size, power and might with which the Romans honoured their Gods.

The temple was built on a platform over 5,500 square meters, upon which rested 122 columns, each with a diameter of 2.5 meters.

The walls of the temple itself rose 28 metres above the ground.

The columns rise like mighty redwoods into the sky. One fallen column which now rests on the ground gives you the opportunity to fully appreciate the scale of this incredible Roman ruin in Turkey.

Getting there – The Temple of Apollo is part of the ancient city of Didyma and is located 5 kilometres from the modern town of Didim. Didim is around 3 hours drive from İzmir.

Hours – The archaeological site is open from 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (April 1 – October 31) and 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (November 1 – March 31).

10. TEMPLE OF ARTEMIS

Of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World, only the Great Pyramids of Giza are still standing.

However, it’s hard to pass up the opportunity to see one that still has a tiny fragment of its former glory.

The Temple of Artemis was built and destroyed three times, with the final version beginning construction in 323 BCE.

It would become the largest temple in the ancient world. A platform measuring 137 metres long, 69 metres wide and 18 metres high supported over 127 columns.

According to the Acts of St John, the apostle preached here many times.

All that stands today is a single column assembled from the rubble found at the site. It takes a lot of imagination to envisage the rest, but its iconic status makes this a Turkish ruin well worth popping into.

Getting there – The Temple of Artemis is located 2 kilometres from the modern-day town of Selçuk, which is around a 1-hour drive from İzmir.

Hours – The site is open from 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (April 1 – October 31) and 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (November 1 – March 31).

11. SAGALASSOS

Sagalassos is a two-hour drive from Antalya over rugged hills and wild valleys.

For the last twenty minutes, a road twists high up into the Western Taurus mountains until the ruins come into sight at a height of 1,500 metres.

It may take a bit of effort to get here, but the remote and inaccessible location means it wasn’t looted after its demise, and much of the site remains in good condition today. 

Already a wealthy city when Alexander conquered it in 333 BCE, the Romans built most of the greatest monuments.

The theatre is a wonderful mess of broken blocks and tiered seating, while the imposing arch of Emperor Claudius rises over the lower town.

The Heroon (hero’s monument) is a multi-story building thought to have been built by Alexander the Great in honour of himself.

But the most magnificent is the Nymphaeum, an array of ornate fountains built around the upper agora (market square). Replicas have replaced the statues, but it does little to detract from the majesty of this place.

Getting there – Sagalassos is 150 kilometres from Antalya on the D650 highway.

Tour – If you don’t have your own car, you can see the ruins on this day trip from Antalya.

Hours – Sagalassos is open from 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (April 1 – October 31) and 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (November 1 – March 31).

12. PERGAMON

Overlooking the Caicus River, which provided access to the Aegean Sea, Bergama (later Pergamon) was an important Greek cultural centre at the top of a hill.

Seizing on its strategic and easily defensible position, the Romans briefly made it their first capital of Asia Minor.

Today, this sprawling ruin decaying on the hillside is a testament to its mighty past.

High on the hill, the reconstructed Temple of Trajan was dedicated to the emperor after the Roman Senate awarded him God-like status.

Nearby, the Theatre of Pergamon is said to be the steepest in the world and provides spectacular views over the countryside.

Past the scraps of columns abandoned in the overgrown grass lies the region’s most famous relic: The Altar of Pergamon.

A shadow of its former self, the altar has been stripped bare, and its impressive marble facades now reside in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin.

Nonetheless, the whole site still offers an intriguing insight into how Greek city-states became places of Roman wealth and power.

Getting there – Pergamon (Ancient City) is located in the modern town of Bergama, which is a 2-hour drive from Izmir. There is a cable car from the centre of town that can get up to the archaeological site.

Hours – Pergamon is open from 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (April 1 – October 31) and 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (November 1 – March 31).

13. EPHESUS

With the Roman Empire near its zenith and defensible hill towns no longer necessary, the Roman Emperor Augustus moved the capital of Asia Minor from Bergama to Ephesus.

Money and power flooded in, creating what is now the jewel in the crown of ancient ruins in Turkey

The most iconic Roman ruin in Ephesus is the Library of Celsus. Built in 125 CE, it once held nearly 12,000 scrolls.

The bas-reliefs and statues covering the façade are intricate and extremely well-preserved.

Nearby are the magnificent Temple of Hadrian, the Odeon, and a theatre, which was the largest in the ancient world, holding an estimated 25,000 people.

Our highlight at Ephesus was the covered terrace houses.

These Roman homes were partially destroyed by an earthquake in the 3rd century CE, but the remains are in exceptional condition. Preserved under a large roof, with glass walkways above the houses, the frescoes and mosaics that line the walls and floors are incredible.

Getting there – Ephesus is located 2 kilometres from the modern town of Selçuk which is around 1 hours drive from Izmir.

Tours – If you are travelling without a car, you can try this day trip from Izmir

Hours – Ephesus is open from 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (April 1 – October 31) and 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (November 1 – March 31).

14. SIDE

Side is one of the most visited ancient cities in Turkey.

Jutting out into the Mediterranean, just 1 hour’s drive from Antalya, the city dates back to the 7th century BCE.

The most impressive ruins are the well-preserved city walls and main gate built by the Greeks around the 2nd century BCE. The collonaded street, the theatre and the Temple of Apollo, built during the Golden Era of Roman construction in the 2nd century CE, are also impressive.

The theatre had a capacity of 9,000 people, and outside, a massive marketplace (now mostly ruined) was used to buy and sell slaves.

The temple has 5 remarkable columns still standing and loads of other fragments lying on the ground, ready to be reconstructed.

Today, the ancient city and new town exist side by side and almost on top of each other.

Tourist restaurants and souvenir shops sit over an extensive set of glass walkways which display the ancient ruins hidden below.

It’s free to stroll around most of Side except for the museum and the theatre for which you need to purchase a ticket.

Getting there – Side is around 1 hour east of Antalya on the D400 highway.

Tour – If you don’t have your own car, this guided tour from Side includes an off-road adventure through the Taurus Mountains and a visit to a local village.

Hours – The museum is open from 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM (April 1 – October 31) and 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (November 1 – March 31).

15. APHRODISIAS

Aphrodisias is an ancient Greek town deep in the Anatolian hinterland.

It was absorbed into the Roman Empire and most of the site dates from Roman times.

Many ruins are in good condition, particularly the Tetrapylon, Odeon and the huge stadium.

The highlight is the Sebasteion, built between 20 CE and 60 CE. It means the Temple of Emperors, and it was originally a magnificent three-storied building with Doric, Ionic and Corinthian columns.

Much of it is now in ruins. However, many of the marble reliefs that adorned the walls have survived.

The reliefs are now housed in a purpose-built room attached to the on-site museum. They tell the stories of the triumphs and conquests of gods and emperors.

An hour spent wandering around the museum is a tour de force of myth, legend and truth and easily makes Aphrodisias one of the most educational ruins to visit in Turkey.

Getting there – Aphrodisias is around 1.5 hours from Pamukkale.

Hours – Aphrodisias is open from 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM (April 1 – October 31) and 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (November 1 – March 31).

16. HIERAPOLIS (PAMUKKALE)

The thermal spa of Hierapolis was established at the end of the 2^nd century BCE to take advantage of the healing benefits of a natural spring.

The site was destroyed by an earthquake in 60 CE and rebuilt to become an important religious centre in the Eastern Roman Empire.

Over the centuries, as the warm waters bubbled out of the ground and made its way down the hill, calcite was deposited on the rock, creating the cotton-candy terrace of Pamukkale.

Today, it’s an otherworldly sight where you can still soak in the rich waters while being overlooked by Roman statues.

The Roman ruins around the baths are extensive and could take hours to see. The highlights are the grand theatre, richly decorated with religious iconography; the tomb of St Philip hidden in the swaying grasses; and the round turreted Frontius Gate.

Getting there – Hierapolis is located on the hill above Pamukkale’s travertine pools, so it’s a short walk up to the site (about 15-20 minutes from the town centre).

Hours – Hierapolis is open from 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (April 1 – October 31) and 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (November 1 – March 31).

17. ASPENDOS

Aspendos is an ancient Greco-Roman city located just 20 minutes out of Antalya.

Construction commenced in the 6th Century BC under the Persian Empire, and Alexander the Great took control for a time.

During the Roman times, it led the world trade in salt, oil and wool, bringing great power and wealth to the city.

Dominating the site is the best-preserved theatre in antiquity. Partially built into the hill, the stage was built by the Romans in 155 CE and is a whopping 96 metres long.

It is estimated that the theatre seated 15,000 – 20,000 people. The columns that supported the stage are still in place, and only the wooden ceiling is missing.

The Seljuk’s continued to use the theatre up to the 13^th century which is why it remains one of the best-preserved ancient theatres in the world today.

Getting there – Aspendos is easily visited on a day trip from the coastal resort of Antalya, which is just 20 minutes away on the Turkish Mediterranean coast.

Tours – This ruins tour from Antalya includes Perge Side & Aspendo.

Hours – Aspendos is open from 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (April 1 – October 31) and 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (November 1 – March 31).

18. VALENS AQUEDUCT

The Valens Aqueduct was commissioned in the 4^th century by Emperor Valens as a way of supplying water to a desperately dry Constantinople.

Considered one of the great engineering achievements of the ancient world, the aqueduct carried water from over 120 kilometres away via 450 kilometres of conduits.

In its heyday, the Valens Aqueduct connected over 100 cisterns and 30 bridges. The most visible section today is the 971-metre bridge that connects the third and fourth hills of Istanbul, passing over Ataturk Boulevard.

The aqueduct still cuts an impressive figure in the city, and it’s a great area in Istanbul to explore. You can read more in our 5-day Istanbul itinerary.

Getting there – The Valens Aqueduct is a 15-minute walk from major landmarks in Istanbul, including Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque.

19. BASILICA OF SAINT JOHN

Perched on a hill just outside Ephesus, the Basilica of St John is a Byzantine Church and the alleged resting place of St John.

He spent his final days in Ephesus and is believed to have written his gospel on this hill before dying, aged 100 years old.

As Christianity spread, a monumental tomb was built over his grave and in 350 CE, a basilica with a wooden dome was built over the tomb.

Then, in the 6th century CE, Justinian and Theodora knocked down the basilica and built a 6-domed church that survived for almost 800 years before being destroyed by a large earthquake.

These are the impressive ruins you see today.

It’s easy to get an idea of the scope and size of the church, which would be the 7th largest in the world if it existed today.

Some original frescoes, almost hidden from view through a locked gate, give a glimpse of the grandeur the church once had.

Getting there – The Basilica of St John is 1 kilometre from the centre of Selçuk.

Hours – St John’s Basilica is open from 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (April 1 – October 31) and 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (November 1 – March 31).

BYZANTINE SITES IN TURKEY

While the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE marked the end of ancient times, the Eastern Roman Empire continued for almost another millennium.

This shift in power marked the beginning of the Byzantine era. Centred around Constantinople (now Istanbul), it built some remarkable buildings as early as the 6^th century.

20. BASILICA CISTERN

This underwater cistern in Istanbul was built in the 6th century CE to store water for the palaces of the Caesars. The eerily lit underground room, held up by 336 marble columns, is 138 metres long, 65 metres wide and 9 metres high.

The dark, eerie space has been used in several feature films, including From Russia with Love and the Dan Brown adaptation, Inferno.

Keep an eye out for the two Medusas heads – one on its side and the other upside down – at the base of two of the columns near the back.

Tickets – The Istanbul Museum Pass is not accepted at Basilica Cistern, but you can purchase skip-the-line tickets in advance.

21. HAGIA SOPHIA

Possibly the greatest historical building in the world, the Hagia Sophia was built in 537 CE in Constantinople as the largest church in the Byzantine Empire.

When the Ottomans captured the city in 1453 CE, it was converted into a mosque until 1935, when it reopened as a museum.

In 2020, under the direction of the Turkish government, Hagia Sophia was converted back to a mosque. Exploring the building is an intriguing look through history across empires and religions.

How to visit Hagia Sophia – Entry for visitors is via a special entrance on the southeast corner of the building. Non-muslims can no longer enter the ground floor, but you can still see the upper viewing deck, and some of the 10th-century mosaics.

Tickets – Hagia Sophia is not included on the MuseumPass, and an entry fee of €25 has recently been introduced. You can book skip-the-line tickets in advance, but professional guided tours are no longer permitted.

22. CHORA CHURCH (MOSQUE)

Originally built in the 4^th century outside the main city walls of Constantinople, the majority of the remains of this remarkable church now date to the 11^th century.

What makes it unique is the completeness of its internal decoration.

Ornate mosaics and frescoes almost entirely cover its walls and ceilings. Most of the mosaics depict the life of Jesus and Mary, including the stunning Genealogy of Christ. Most of the frescoes cover scenes from the Old Testament.

Tickets – The church has now been converted to a mosque, but it’s still possible for non-muslims to visit. Entrance is on the north side of the building on Kairye Türbesi Street. Buy tickets in advance to avoid the queues.

Prayer times – Chora Mosque is closed for prayer on Fridays. All non-muslims need to avoid prayer times on all other days. Check prayer times in advance.

MORE TURKEY GUIDES

• More great things to do can be found in our guide to visiting Istanbul.
• Travelling around? Read our guide to the best places to visit in Turkey.
• Try these incredible hikes in Cappadocia (maps included).
• Here are the best things to do in Antalya.
• Take the ultimate scenic voyage in a Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon ride.
• Plan your trip with our Turkey Itinerary.
• Here are the best things to do in Cappadocia.
• Relive history in the best ancient ruins in Turkey.
• Plan the ultimate 4-days in Cappadocia with our detailed itinerary.