Little-Known Ancient Cities from Different Corners of Turkey

Our country is undoubtedly home to the most beautiful and popular ancient cities in the world. Since the beginning of civilization in the world, Anatolia has been the center of civilization and has hosted many different cultures. Every civilization built their own cities and works in Anatolia. The east, west, north and south of our country contain ancient cities of completely different beauty. Many of us have heard or visited popular ancient cities such as Ephesus, Zeugma, Aphrodisias. However, many ancient cities, whose value has not yet been appreciated and have not gained popularity, adorn the lands of our country. I am also in this article. Little-known ancient cities from different corners of Turkey I wanted to choose and share. Maybe you can turn your route to these lesser known cities, who knows?

1. Sagalassos Ancient City, Burdur

The ancient city of Sagalassos, which is at the top of my list of lesser-known ancient cities, is a very special place for me because it is the first ancient city I remember visiting in my childhood. In my tiny state, the magnificent theater with one of the most beautiful views in the world was engraved in my memory. Sagalassos Ancient City, the most important city of the ancient Pisidia region, is located 7 kilometers from the Ağlasun district of Burdur. One of the most important features of the ancient city is that the 1000-year-old Antonine Fountain continues to flow from its first source. You can stop by this magnificent ancient city on your way to Antalya or Fethiye, or you can make a special route to visit Burdur and its surroundings.

Sagalassos Ancient City entrance fee is 14 TL, free if you have a Museum Card.

Sagalassos Ancient City ve Places to Visit in Burdur Check out my articles too.

Sagalassos Ancient City click for location.

2. Kibyra Ancient City, Burdur

Kibyra, the city of gladiators, is another important city of Pisidia. The ancient city, which has just been opened to tourism, is really very little known. The ancient city of Kibyra has the largest and most solid field mosaic found in Anatolia. Mosaic in the form of Medusa. The mosaic, which is opened to visitors during the summer months, is covered in winter for protection. The stadium, which has a capacity of 10.000 people and is still in very good condition, draws attention in the ancient city, which overlooks the Gölhisar District of Burdur. Again, the city, overlooking the plain from a high hill, has a very beautiful view, the ancient people knew well where to build a city.

The entrance to the ancient city of Kibyra is free for now.

City of Gladiators Kibyra Ancient City Be sure to read my post too.

Kibyra Ancient City click for location.

3. Teos Ancient City, Izmir

Teos Ancient City is located 3 kilometers from İzmir Sığacık. The ancient city, whose history dates back to 1000 BC, is one of the 12 Ionian cities. The ancient port of the city, which is spread over a wide area with the acropolis, theatre, temple dedicated to the god of wine Dynisos, parliament building and ancient port, has remained inland from the sea and no trace of it remains today. There are many great olive trees in the ancient city, and the Umay Nine tree is the most famous among them.

Teos Ancient City entrance fee is 7 TL, if you have a Museum Card, you can enter for free.

Teos Ancient City and Sığacık Also, be sure to read my post about it.

Teos Ancient City Click for location.

4. Santa Ruins, Gumushane

When describing the Santa Ruins, I say Turkey's hidden gem because it is located within the borders of Gümüşhane province, which has lands rich in silver ore, at a point that is difficult to access.

We do not have clear information about who and when the first settlement in Santa Ruins was. In the region where the Greeks lived, 17-19th century of the city. We know that it lived its heyday between the centuries. There are 5000 neighborhoods in the city where 7 people live. Every neighborhood has a church and a fountain. There is a separate school for boys and girls. Although most of the buildings made of stone, mostly single storey, are still intact, most of the buildings are in ruins after the Greeks left the city with the exchange. Located in a magnificent valley, the city road is one of the must-see places for everyone who falls on the Gümüşhane side.

There is no charge to enter the zone.

For more information Santa Ruins Check out my post.

Santa Ruins click for location.

5. Dara Ancient City, Mardin

The ancient city of Dara, located 30 kilometers from the city center of Mardin, was one of the most important centers of Mesopotamia. The palace, church, dungeon, underground cisterns, warehouses and settlements can be visited in the city, which was carved into red rocks. At present, the Oguz Village and the ancient city are intertwined. spread over a wide area Dara Ancient CityIt is surrounded by a 4 kilometer wall.

There is no charge to enter the zone.

Dara Ancient City and places to visit in Mardin I suggest you take a look at my article.

Dara Ancient City click for location.

6. Magnesia Ancient City, Aydın

Located within the borders of Germencik district of Aydın province, the Ancient City of Magnesia is only 4 kilometers from Ortaklar. The ancient city, which was founded by Magnets from Thessaly and attracts attention with its 30.000-seat stadium, was called the City of Races because of this stadium. It is one of our lesser-known and underrated ancient cities with its agora, temple dedicated to Artemis, theatre, Zeus Temple and many other places to see.

The entrance fee to the Ancient City of Magnesia is 2020 TL for 10, free with your Museumcard.

For more information Magnesia Ancient City take a look at my post.

Magnesia Ancient City click for location.

7. Midas Ancient City and Yazılıkaya Monument, Eskişehir

One of the lesser-known places on the Phrygian Way, one of the most beautiful ancient walking routes of our country, is the Antill City of Midas. Although the city is within the provincial borders of Eskişehir, it is 80 kilometers from the center of Eskişehir and is built on a platform with an altitude of 1315 meters. The most popular spot in the city is the Yazılıkaya or Midas Monument, carved into the rock, which is considered a typical example of Phrygian art.

There is no charge to enter the zone.

Phrygian Way Check out my detailed post about it.

Midas Ancient City Click for location.

8. Blaundus Ancient City, Uşak

Another of our lesser-known ancient cities is the Blaundus Ancient City, located within the borders of Sümenli Village, Ulubey district of Uşak. The ancient city is 40 kilometers from Uşak city center and 20 kilometers from Ulubey Canyon Nature Park. The most popular point of the city is the stone ruins, which are thought to be a temple or a sanctuary, unique in any civilization living in the region, and called Turkey's Stonehenge, which are placed in different ways.

There is no charge to enter the zone.

For more information Blaundus Ancient CityTake a look at my post.

Blaundus Ancient City click for location.

9. Aizanoi Ancient City, Kütahya

Next up is the ancient city of Aizanoi, located in the Çavdarhisar district of Kütahya, which I had the opportunity to visit twice in 2020, although it is little known in Turkey. Aizanoi is the city of firsts and greatest. Aizanoi is a very beautiful ancient city spread over a wide area with the world's best preserved Zeus Temple, the stadium and theater complex that is unique in the world, the Macellum, which is considered the world's first stock exchange, ancient bridges, and the Cybele sanctuary. Do not say that it will be very popular in the near future.

Aizanoi Ancient City entrance fee was 2020 TL for 10, free if you have a Museum Card.

For more information Aizanoi Ancient City take a look at my post.

Aizanoi Ancient City click for location.

10. Euromos Ancient City, Muğla

And we came to the last ancient city on our list of lesser known ancient cities. Euromos Ancient City, which almost everyone who goes to Bodrum passes by but no one visits. The ancient city is located on the Didim Bodrum road, 10 kilometers from Milas. It is home to one of the best preserved Temples of Zeus in Asia. It was one of the important cities of the region with its temple, city walls, theatre, agora and bath structures. Now, although the Temple of Zeus is visible from the main road, it is not an ancient city that attracts much attention, but it is definitely worth seeing.

Entry to the ancient city is free.

I also told about the Ancient City of Euromos. Places to Visit around Didim The article may interest you.

Euromos Ancient City click for location.

I tried to make a selection from the lesser-known ancient cities of our country. I hope you will add these ancient cities to your itineraries and travel lists. If there are ancient cities that you have visited and that you think do not receive enough attention, please add them in the comments.

Stay healthy.