Experience Aegean region (Turkey) Like a Local: 25 Hidden archaeological sites Gems to Discover
Unveil the top 25 must-visit archaeological sites in Aegean region (Turkey) with our curated list. Immerse yourself in 25 best archaeological sites or discover hidden treasures with 25 must-visit archaeological sites. Don’t miss 25 top-rated archaeological sites to experience Aegean region (Turkey) ‘s best.
Information about Aegean region (Turkey)
Dotted with a magnificent coastline lapped by the clear waters of the Aegean Sea, vast beaches lined with olive groves, rocky cliffs, and pine forests are among the most beautiful landscapes in Turkey. Over 5,000 years of history, culture and legends, the region enjoys an exceptionally mild climate, with green springs, hot summers, sunny autumns and warm winters, making it an ideal destination for holidays exploring ancient ruins and picturesque countryside all year round.
A list of the best Archaeological sites in Aegean region
Discover the top archaeological sites destinations in Aegean region (Turkey) with our hand-picked list, chosen with care by our expert team based on the feedback and ratings from previous visitors. Let us help you plan the perfect trip.
1- Bodrum Theater
Bodrum Theater – Bodrum’s old theater may be small by Roman standards, but it’s been beautifully restored, and the views from the upper tiers, towards the mountains, are fantastic. At the height of this theater’s glory during the fourth century, it would have held 13,000 spectators. If you are here in the summer, the theater is used for its program of events and concerts. See if anything while you’re in town, as watching a performance inside the theater is the best way to imagine how it was used in the era of Halicarnassus.
Place address: Yeniköy, Bodrum Antique Theatre, 48400 Bodrum/Muğla, Turkey
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2- Ephesus
Ephesus – The ancient city of Ephesus is one of the most important cultural and historical monuments in Turkey, which is located on the shores of the Aegean Sea, and it was built in the tenth century BC by Greek colonists, and the city at that time was considered the most important Greek city and the most important commercial center in the Mediterranean region, where It was ruled by the Greek, Persian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Ephesus is famous for the Temple of Artemis (completed around 550 BC), which was classified as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and Artemis represented the goddess of hunting, chastity, childbirth, and wild and sea animals. .
Place address: Acarlar, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Turkey
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3- Hierapolis
Hierapolis – The ancient city of Hierapolis was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988. It is one of the most famous ancient cities in the Aegean region. It is believed to have been founded by Eumenes II, King of Pergamum, in the second century BC. It was named after Hiera, the wife of Telephos, the legendary founder. For Pergamum, the remains of baths, temples and many Greek ruins can be seen at the site, along with a huge Roman amphitheater.
Place address: 20280 Pamukkale/Denizli, Turkey
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4- Isa Bey Mosque
Isa Bey Mosque – The Isa Bey Mosque is one of the most accurate examples of Seljuk architecture. It is located in Ephesus under the Cathedral of St. John. It was built by the Syrian architect Ali bin Mushaimish al-Dimashqi between 1374 and 1375 AD. The mosque was designed asymmetrically, unlike the traditional style. The location of the windows, doors, and domes were not intentionally matched, and there is an Islamic inscription decorating the entrance, and the columns inside the house of prayer are from previous ruins in Ephesus, which constitutes an interesting contrast with the mosque. The domes are decorated with a turquoise-blue ornament that reveals the characteristics of the Ottoman style.
Place address: Atatürk, St. Jean Cd. No:1, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Turkey
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5- Tlos Ruins
Tlos Ruins – Tullus is an ancient Lycian fortress located on top of a hill near the city of Fethiye in the province of Muğla in southern Turkey, about 4 km northwest of the Saklikent Strait. It is believed to have been one of the most important Lycian religious sites. Lycian settlement at this site is said to have begun more than From 4000 years ago, making it one of the oldest and largest settlements in the region, it was then inhabited by the Romans, Byzantines and eventually the Ottoman Turks, and its ruins are clearly visible today, and it is considered a popular tourist destination in Turkey.
Place address: Yakaköy, Saklıkent Yolu, 48850 Seydikemer/Muğla, Turkey
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6- Byzantine Aqueduct
Byzantine Aqueduct – Civilizations and peoples succeeded in the lands of Turkey, and left traces in it that still exist to this day, testifying to the fragrant history and its originality. It is used for travel and travel. It was characterized by a great architectural design, based on huge rock columns with arched capitals, over which a wide bridge passes. Today, only some ruins remain of this architectural masterpiece.
Place address: İsa Bey, Namık Kemal Cd. No:25, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Turkey
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7- Kaunos
Kaunos – The ancient city of Kaunos is located in the Aegean region in the southwestern part of the country. It is one of the oldest and most important settlements in Turkey. It is famous for its rock-hewn tombs, its 5,000-seat theatre, its public bath, and its large temple. It is located on a closed lake a few kilometers west of the modern city of Dalyan. In the province of Mugla, it was founded by Kaunus Ibn Miletus in the tenth century BC, and it was named after him. It was also an important port city known for salt production and trade in ancient times. It was included in the UNESCO Tentative List in 2014 as a cultural site, and today it is considered one of the universal values. prominent for Turkey.
Place address: Dalyan, 48800 Ortaca/Köyceğiz/Muğla, Turkey
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8- Halicarnassus Ancient City
Halicarnassus Ancient City – The ancient city of Halicarnassus is an ancient Greek city located on the Ceramic Gulf, distinguished as one of the few surviving cities that preserved its originality despite the passage of time. It is a picturesque city rich in ancient Greek myths, and the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, which is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, is one of the favorite tourist attractions for tourists. There is a Greek amphitheater and the remains of columns and decorations that are unique in this area.
Place address: Yeniköy, Kıbrıs Şehitleri Cd., 48400 Bodrum/Muğla, Turkey
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9- Red Hall Basilica
Red Hall Basilica – The Red Courtyard, also called the Red Hall or Basilica Hall, is a huge ruined temple in the ancient city of Bergama in western Turkey. The temple was built during the period of the Roman Empire, the Temple of Serapis, dedicated to the Egyptian gods of healing. This 270-meter-long temple was built near the Selenus stream, and has survived to this day with most of its structures. It got its name from the red bricks used in build it.
Place address: İslamsaray, Bergama Yolu 1. Km, 35700 Bergama/İzmir, Turkey
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10- Metropolis Ancient City
Metropolis Ancient City – The ancient city of Metropolis is located in western Turkey, about 40 km southeast of Izmir, and the occupation of the site dates back to the Neolithic period, and the Hittite period also witnesses the presence of the Classic, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods well represented at the site, and what is visible today is primarily a city Hellenistic with a great Roman character, and with Byzantine remains scattered across it as a church to the east of the city and fortification walls built across the city connected to the Hellenistic defenses on the Acropolis, you will be amazed by the amphitheater with a unique design, which was designed based on scientific foundations related to sound and lighting, and here you will see sculptures and statues For prominent political figures and other clerics and scholars who lived in that period.
Place address: Yeniköy, Sevgi Yolu Sk., 35860 Torbalı/İzmir, Turkey
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11- House of Virgin Mary
House of Virgin Mary – The House of the Virgin Mary is located on top of Mount Bulbul, 9 km from Ephesus in Izmir. It has a spiritual and wonderful atmosphere hidden in a picturesque green area. It is believed to be the place where the Virgin Mary spent her last days. In fact, it is said that she came to the area with the saint. John, who spent several years in the area to spread Christianity, and that this house is a typical Roman architectural example made entirely of stones, and in the fourth century AD, a church was built that combines her house with her tomb.
Place address: Sultaniye, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Turkey
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12- Claros
Claros – Claros was an ancient Greek haven on the coast of Ionia, and contained temples, churches, and strongholds for armies, including the Temple of Apollo, which served as a “center of knowledge” until its abandonment in the 4th century, and is the only Doric temple built in Ionia that remains Today, nothing but simple traces of decorated columns crowned with inscriptions, in addition to some statues that symbolize important personalities who lived in that period.
Place address: Ahmetbeyli, Işıklı Klaros Cd., 35470 Menderes/İzmir, Turkey
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13- Latife Hanim Mansion and Memorial House
Latife Hanim Mansion and Memorial House – Latife Hanım Memorial Palace belongs to the family of Latife Hanım, wife of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and is especially popular because it is the place where his mother Zübeyde Hanım lived her last days. The Latife Hanım Palace located in Karsiyaka district and put it into service as a memorial house in 2008. and in the Memorial House, which has been restored on the basis of the original; There are wax statues of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, his mother, Zubaida Hanim, and his wife, Latifa Hanim, in addition to a number of their private belongings.
Place address: Latife Hanım, Doç. Dr. Bahriye Üçok Blv. No:29, 35600 Karşıyaka/İzmir, Turkey
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14- Pedasa Upper Castle
Pedasa Upper Castle – The Upper Pedasa Castle is one of the most important cities that were established in the Trojan era, and it was distinguished by its huge and distinctive design in line with the goal for which it was established, which is to protect the soldiers, with thick towering walls and huge towers that overlook the area. Today, due to the passage of time, only some ruins and graves belonging to soldiers and princes remain from this architectural masterpiece.
Place address: Konacık, 48965 Bodrum/Muğla, Turkey
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15- Ancient City of Teos
Ancient City of Teos – Founded in 1050-1000 BC, Teos was one of the 12 cities of ancient Ionia. It was also known as the city of Dionysus, the god of wine in mythology. It is also the city of artists, and it was there that the first guild of players in history was formed. The ruins of the ancient coastal city of Teos today are located near the city of Izmir, and include historical places to visit such as the famous Temple of Dionysus, the theater that can accommodate about 500 people, the city walls, the remains of the port, the boleuterion and the gymnasium, and in the port, which served as a naval base in the Ottoman era, remains a castle built in 1522 to the present day.
Place address: Sığacık, Teos Cd. No:151, 35460 Seferihisar/İzmir, Turkey
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16- Mazıköy
Mazıköy – Mazikoy is one of the beautiful villages untouched and untouched by human hands, which impresses you greatly. Relax in peace, enjoy the sun and the beach, this is where you get away when you want to be alone, and sometimes you can’t find it! The village overlooks 8 wonderful bays, which makes it touch your heart with its natural beauty and will allow you to spend a very peaceful vacation. You will also be amazed by its delicious accommodation and restaurant options. Mazikoy, is one of the places that you should definitely visit in Bodrum, as it is the title of tranquility, silence, and peace itself!
Place address: Mazıköy, 48440 Bodrum/Muğla, Turkey
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17- Erythrai Arkeolojik Oren Yeri
Erythrai Arkeolojik Oren Yeri – Located in the village of Ildırı, this site is one of the ruins of one of the twelve leading Ionian cities of antiquity, and one of the important settlements of the ancient Aegean world, the city of Erythrai. It had a great trading port for several centuries, in the Roman period, as it has been in use since 88 BC, which shows Erythrai as an important center reflecting the eastern connections in the Ionian region, and ancient excavations reveal that this port has played an active role in the changes Socio-political in Ionia in the fourth century.
Place address: Ildır, Erythrai archaeological ruins, 35930 Çeşme/İzmir, Turkey
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18- Hafsa Sultan Kervansarayı
Hafsa Sultan Kervansarayı – Another Ottoman structure in Marmaris is the building of Sultana Hafsa (the mother of Suleiman the Magnificent), and it was in the past considered an inn on the side of the road for travelers or troops to rest and recover. It was built in 1545 AD. The building is covered with arches on top and is located next to the narrow street leading to the castle, with architecture Distinctive, the building contains a large room and seven other small rooms, at present, consists of souvenir shops and cafes.
Place address: Tepe, Hafsa Sultan Kervansarayı, 41. Sk No:44, 48700 Marmaris/Muğla, Turkey
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19- Iyilik Kayaliklari Archaeological Park
Iyilik Kayaliklari Archaeological Park – This interesting park, known among many tourists, is located a short distance from Marmaris Beach, and it is primarily characterized by ruins dating back to the fourth century BC, in addition to many facilities and services distributed throughout the place. The park is characterized by wonderful views of the coast, where It is located on the slope, and if you are not a fan of short trekking, there are also Ottoman ruins near the park that you can discover.
Place address: Kemeraltı, İyilik Kayalığı Antik Kent, 95. Sk. No:14, 48700 Marmaris/Muğla, Turkey
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20- Kayaköy
Kayaköy – Kayakoy is one of the places to visit in Fethiye, here in this village the Greeks lived in the area dating back 5,000 years ago, until the population exchange period. And although the Turks settled here with this shift, they could not stay for long. Because of the great earthquake that occurred in 1957 AD, the village became uninhabitable. Today, the village has become almost an open-air museum, a quiet area suitable for lovers of history and archeology to learn about ancient cultures.
Place address: Kayaköy, 48300 Fethiye/Muğla, Turkey
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21- Celsus Library
Celsus Library – The Library of Celsus is one of the most beautiful structures in Ephesus. Built in 117 AD, it was a colossal tomb of Gaius Julius Celsus Polymenos; Governor of the Province of Asia, by his son, Gallius Julius Aquila, Celsus’s tomb was below the ground floor, and on it was the statue of Athena; Goddess of wisdom, the Library of Celsus is perhaps the most recognizable building in the area. It has a two-storey facade, and inside it is a single large room located above the vaulted sub-structure. The building was surrounded by an additional wall, which provided ample protection from moisture.
Place address: Acarlar, Meryem Ana Yolu No:15, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Turkey
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22- Nimara Magarasi
Nimara Magarasi – For nature lovers, it is necessary to visit the Nemara Cave, which is one of the most beautiful natural areas in Marmaris. It is an ancient cave dating back to the ancient Greek era. At that time, it was a temple of the gods, and sacrifices were slaughtered to get close to them. It is a wonderful place to escape to, away from the hustle and bustle of the city and the commercial markets, to relax and take a period of rest and recuperation in the arms of this charming nature around you.
Place address: Adaköy, Nimara Mağarası, 48700 Marmaris/Muğla, Turkey
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23- Hierapolis Theater
Hierapolis Theater – On the slope above the rest of the ruins of Hierapolis is the Great Theatre, with a facade extending 100 meters in length and two tiers of seating, each with 26 rows. Built during the reigns of Roman emperors Hadrian and Septimius Severus, the theater has been extremely well preserved. It has retained many original details, with the imperial boxes (where important guests watched the entertainment) and some of the ornate panels along the stage still standing. There are great views from the upper seating tiers.
Place address: Hierapolis, 20280 Pamukkale/Denizli, Turkey
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24- Bodrum Castle
Bodrum Castle – Bodrum Castle, also known as St. Peter’s Castle, is located on the waterfront and is one of the top places to visit in Bodrum. Built by the Knights of St. John or Knights Templar between 1402 and 1437, knights of various nationalities were charged with the defense of certain sections of the walls. Among the different towers is the French Tower. An English tower, with a lion carved on its west wall, and the Gatineau tower, which leads to the dungeons. During the reign of the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman, the castle fell under the rule of the Turks and a mosque was built inside. Today, several spacious halls inside the castle display the exhibits of the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archeology.
Place address: Çarşı, Castle Of Bodrum, Kale Cd., 48400 Bodrum/Muğla, Turkey
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25- Letoon Ancient City
Letoon Ancient City – The city of Leyton was the main cult center of the province of Lycia, and as many inscriptions on the site show, it was the federal refuge in which all the religious and political decisions of the ruling authorities were announced. Greek and Lycian in addition to an Aramaic summary that was discovered near the Temple of Apollo. The site also contains artifacts dating back to Hadrian and built on a water source that was considered sacred.
Place address: Kumluova, 48370 Seydikemer/Muğla, Turkey
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Conclusion
As your journey through Aegean region (Turkey) comes to an end, we hope you take with you unforgettable memories and experiences that will last a lifetime. This amazing region is home to diverse landscapes, ancient cultures, and welcoming communities that have something special to offer every traveler. Our guide has provided you with the top destinations and hidden gems that make Aegean region (Turkey) such a unique and special place. But, we encourage you to continue to explore this region on your own and uncover new adventures and treasures along the way. As you journey back home, don’t forget to reflect on the moments that made your trip so special and share your experiences with others. Remember to keep the spirit of adventure and curiosity alive in your everyday life and continue to seek out new experiences. We hope our guide has been a valuable resource in planning your trip, and we look forward to hearing about your travels. Safe travels and until next time!