10 archaeological sites worth visiting in Turkey

A country like Turkey has a rich and centuries-old history. And so it attracts tourists who are eager to visit ancient relics and excavations, archaeological sites of the Neolithic.

Before the trip, many tourists book a car in Turkey online in order to get a favorable rental rate, see more sights and not depend on tour groups. In Istanbul, the cost of a compact class car starts from 15 euros per day, in Antalya the cost is about the same - from 14 euros per day.

There are top ancient places in Turkey.

Ephesus city

During the Roman Empire, Ephesus was an important economic center and the capital of Asia Minor. At that time, the city flourished. The library, the amphitheater, the temples of Artemis, and the Odeon are on the list of modern tourist tours. Ephesus is located a little further from Izmir (modern city).

Hattusa

Hattusa was the capital of the Hittites. The city was discovered in the 1800s. The excavations are still ongoing. Modern archaeologists are still examining the remains of the ancient people who lived in Hattus. The city is located 200 km from modern Ankara.

Gobekli Tepe

The city is the most important archaeological find and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The first excavations in Gobekli began in 1995, which showed that it appeared in 8-10 millennium BC. During the excavations, archaeologists discovered columns with carvings and engravings. The complex in Göbekli consists of 20 ancient separate temples. The city is located a little further from Sanliurfa.

Olympos

Olympos is considered a beach town that attracts a large number of tourists. During the Lycian rule, Olympos was a link city in the Mediterranean. In the 15th century, Olympos became abandoned. Now the town has turned into a thriving green area. Tourists visiting the ancient ruins also enjoy diving and rock climbing. Olympos is located a little further from Dalaman.

Kekova

Kekova is considered an extraordinary excavation site located at the bottom of the sea. To visit Kekova, local guides provide diving services. Travelers can walk at the very bottom among the ruins. A walk around Kekova will impress every tourist. It is worth noting that some of the ruins were lost in the 2nd century.

Basilica of Saint John

During the Middle Ages, the Basilica of St. John was considered the most revered place. The ruins are located a little further from Ephesus. According to historical data, the basilica was built by order of Emperor Justinian. Within a few centuries the church was destroyed. In 1330 the basilica was rebuilt into a mosque. And in 1402 it was destroyed to the ground. At the moment, tourists can see the ruins that once belonged to the main church of the Middle Ages.

Patara

Patara is located near the airports of Fethiye and Dalaman. The archaeological site was built by Apollo's son Patharus. Thanks to its natural harbor, Patara was a center of maritime trade in ancient times. Now ancient theaters, bath complexes, ancient sarcophagi are open for tourists. In the direction of the old sea shore is a lighthouse, erected in 65 AD. Now the city has protected national parks bordering a sandy beach 12 km away.

Chatal-Khoyuk

An ancient building with rock paintings and carvings that appeared during the Neolithic. The city is close to Konya.HierapolisHierapolis is located near Denizli. Tourists who come here admire the ancient theatres, stone pillars and white terraces. Close to Hieropolis are hot healing springs created by the god Pluto.

Nemrut

Nemrut is considered one of the oldest archaeological sites. King Antioch built Nemrut in the form of a tomb temple to honor himself after his death. The mountain is decorated with statues of an eagle and a lion, other divine beings. The archaeological site is located on the eastern side of Anatolia.