I have left Turkey just over one month ago but there is still so much to tell. It is an amazing country with some great history, culture and people. Not to mention all the archaeological sites and ruins spread throughout the country. But how many ruins are too many? I am not quite sure but let’s say I have seen a lot during my two trips to Turkey. Would you like to know which ones are worth a visit? Well, some certainly stood out more than others, so I thought I summarise my personal top 5 ancient ruins in Turkey for you.
Top 5 ancient ruins in Turkey
Get ready for lots of amazing photos! Let’s start with no 5…
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5) The Aphrodite of Aphrodisias
I visited the archaeological site of Aphrodisias (the goddess of love and beauty) after Pamukkale & Hierapolis (and Laodicea) so at the first glance I wasn’t too impressed. The site is quite big, and there is lots to discover, however you must follow a set path. And as you know I am not a big fan of that. I prefer free walking.
However, looking back at the photos, the ruins of Aphrodite of Aphrodisisas are quite a unique place. I was especially impressed by the details along the walls. Those faces looked amazing! Not to mention the grand male statue that stood out from far. Although he was a fake. The real one is inside the museum on site, amongst other very impressive statues.
So, after my initial doubts, the ancient ruins of Aphrodite of Aphrodisias deserve a spot in my top 5.
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4) Ephesus
One of the most famous ruins and archaeological sites in Turkey, Ephesus is certainly the spot to see. Whether it is walking the grand ancient roman street, seeing the basilica or the grand theatre, the ruins of Ephesus are situated in a great location in Turkey. It seems like it was all created to look down at the stunning Library of Celsus. One of my favourites in Ephesus.
This site is also one of the busiest ancient ruins in Turkey, so I would get there very early. Once the tour buses arrive, it might get crowded and you miss out on some stunning photo opportunities.
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3) The Stadium of Magnesia
The ruins of Magnesia are the lesser known ruins of Turkey, however, I find it still deserves a spot in the top 5 ancient ruins in Turkey. When I was there two years ago it was a deserted site that I found just by accident. Now, there is a proper gate, entry fee and signs to follow.
However, once you walk inside this archaeological site, the signs are a bit confusing. After all, I just wanted to see the amazing Stadium of Magnesia. Remember the photos from last time? (read here). Following the new signs I admit I was suddenly lost. There was no road to follow except grass as far as I could see. However I still continued to walk. It must be here somewhere… all I could see where fences and cameras. Could it be on the other side of the fence?
So….
Well, being far away from the entry and having walked through amounts of high gras and bushes, I had to make a choice. Go back or not? So, adding to the adventure, and doing something I thought I would never do (did I really just climb the fence in front of security cameras?) I finally found myself on the right path to the stadium. I hope no one saw me…
Blocked by another big gate, with a bell to ring, I was finally inside the stadium of Magnesia. And it is still a breathtaking site. Not much has changed since the last time I was here, and I didn’t mind. I was on the top, all by myself. What a stunning view!
I am glad it is not crowded with tourists yet, as it is certainly worth a visit. However, it is only the Stadium that impresses me and therefore makes it to my top 3.
P.S. the gate of the stadium is outside the gate of the ruins, and you can actually drive up to the entry. Just follow the sign behind the official entry gate.
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2) Pamukkale & Hierapolis
It is a close race and it couldn’t be a top 5 list without Pamukkale & Hierapolis. I wrote a detailed blog about it last time as it is my second visit here (read here).
The white mountain with the baby blue water pools is one of the most unique places I have been to. The ancient ruins of Hierapolis sits on top of the hot springs and are nice to walk around in. Follow the path of the tombs or climb up to the top of the theatre, you will get some amazing views all around.
Same as Ephesus, it is a very touristy spot, so make sure you are there early enough. And although it is a little bit cooler in the morning, I find the light for the photos is perfect!
So, given that one can’t be without the other (Pamukkale & Hierapolis is one entry and one ticket), it is my top 2.
So, who is number 1 of my top 5 ancient ruins in Turkey?
And the winner is …
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1) The Ancient ruins of Kibyra
I have written a detailed blog about the ancient ruins of Kibyra already, and although it was a close race with Hierapolis, it is definitely my favourite spot of ancient ruins in Turkey.
I had lots of fun exploring this archaeological site with nobody around, and so, in my opinion, Kibyra is a must see! Read my full blog here.
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So, this is my list of the top 5 ancient ruins in Turkey.
There were, of course, many other ruins that I visited, but were a little bit underwhelming. Although Priene (near Ephesus) was quite nice, the theatre in the ancient city Miletus always stands out and I really liked the mosaics in Laodicea (near Pamukkale) and Pergamon is well known. I have already mentioned Troy in my previous blog, which was disappointing. Then there was Sardis, Assos and Aspendos near Antalya.
Yes, I know, I have seen a lot of ruins. I agree! But I hope my list will help you choose a few for your trip.
So, as I continue to cycle and enjoy the summer in Germany, there is still one more blog to write about Turkey. My hike to Termessos. Yes, another ruin. That should be it then from Turkey. What’s after? Not sure.. maybe a blog about Paris?
PRIENE
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LAODICEA
(post 179)
