Antalya is one of Turkey’s most significant tourist regions, renowned for its rich historical and cultural heritage. The area has been home to numerous civilizations throughout antiquity, leaving behind a wealth of ancient cities. These cities are a major attraction for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Xanthos, located near the town of Kınık in Antalya’s Kaş district, is one of the most significant cities of the ancient Lycian civilization. As the capital of Lycia, Xanthos played a pivotal role in the region’s history and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its unique archaeological and historical importance.
Xanthos, located near the town of Kınık in Antalya’s Kaş district, is one of the most significant cities of the ancient Lycian civilization. As the capital of Lycia, Xanthos played a pivotal role in the region’s history and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its unique archaeological and historical importance.
Xanthos, located near the town of Kınık in Antalya’s Kaş district, is one of the most significant cities of the ancient Lycian civilization. As the capital of Lycia, Xanthos played a pivotal role in the region’s history and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its unique archaeological and historical importance.
Xanthos, located near the town of Kınık in Antalya’s Kaş district, is one of the most significant cities of the ancient Lycian civilization. As the capital of Lycia, Xanthos played a pivotal role in the region’s history and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its unique archaeological and historical importance.
Xanthos, located near the town of Kınık in Antalya’s Kaş district, is one of the most significant cities of the ancient Lycian civilization. As the capital of Lycia, Xanthos played a pivotal role in the region’s history and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its unique archaeological and historical importance.
Xanthos, located near the town of Kınık in Antalya’s Kaş district, is one of the most significant cities of the ancient Lycian civilization. As the capital of Lycia, Xanthos played a pivotal role in the region’s history and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its unique archaeological and historical importance.
Xanthos, located near the town of Kınık in Antalya’s Kaş district, is one of the most significant cities of the ancient Lycian civilization. As the capital of Lycia, Xanthos played a pivotal role in the region’s history and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its unique archaeological and historical importance.
Phaselis Ancient City, located near the town of Kemer in Antalya, is a fascinating archaeological site with a rich history dating back to the 7th century BC. The city, once a major port and trade center, features well-preserved ruins, including three harbors, a theater, and Roman baths. Visitors can explore the city's streets and buildings, surrounded by pine forests and scenic coastline. The nearby beaches offer a perfect spot for swimming and relaxation after a day of exploration. Phaselis Ancient City's unique blend of history and natural beauty makes it a must-visit destination.
Termessos, perched high on the slopes of Güllük Mountain near Antalya, is one of the most well-preserved ancient cities in Turkey. Known for its natural fortress-like location, this Pisidian city famously resisted Alexander the Great's invasion due to its inaccessible terrain.
The site features stunning ruins, including a theater with breathtaking views, city walls, temples, and rock-cut tombs. Surrounded by dense forests and rugged mountains, Termessos offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty, making it a favorite destination for both hikers and history enthusiasts.
Perge, located in Antalya’s Aksu district, is one of the most important ancient cities of the Pamphylia region. Founded around the 12th century BC, Perge reached its peak during the Roman period, becoming a thriving metropolis known for its grand architecture and cultural significance.
The city is renowned for its well-preserved ruins, including a magnificent theater, a stadium, Roman baths, and a colonnaded street that once served as the city’s main thoroughfare. Perge was also a center for early Christianity and was visited by St. Paul on his missionary journeys.
Today, Perge’s impressive ruins offer a glimpse into the grandeur of this ancient city, making it a must-see destination for history lovers visiting Antalya.
Aspendos ancient city is located 40 km East of Antalya, quite easy to reach, on the River Eurymedon in ancient times, today known as Köprüçay. Eurymedon was a famous with The Battle of the Eurymedon in history as the first battle, taking place both on water and on land, in the 5th century BCE. The theater of Aspendos is not only the best-preserved theater of the Roman period, but also the best designed theater of the same period. The Seljuk Turks renovated the ancient theater about a thousand years later it was built, to use as a caravanserai and a palace, and this renovation helped the theater reached our days almost intact. The only example of an ancient theater where the stage building is still standing to its original height, just the statues in the niches are missing. One should also take her/his time to walk up to the city and see the great basilica, agora, the fountain and the aqueducts and siphon systems of the city which are also unique.
Side, located on the coast of Antalya's Manavgat district, is one of the most famous ancient cities of the Pamphylia region. Founded in the 7th century BC, Side became a major port and cultural center during the Roman period, known for its strategic location and vibrant trade.
The city is home to well-preserved ruins, including the Temple of Apollo, an impressive Roman theater, city walls, and baths. Side was also known for its bustling harbor and vibrant marketplace, where goods from across the Mediterranean were traded.
Today, Side combines its rich historical heritage with beautiful beaches, making it a popular tourist destination for those interested in both history and leisure.
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