The Hierapolis Ancient Theater is truly impressive — one of the main highlights when visiting Pamukkale. It’s amazingly well-preserved and gives you a glimpse into how massive and grand the performances must have been back in ancient times. Built during the Roman period, it could seat thousands of people and was used for plays, music, and even gladiator shows. Most visitors online call it a must-see, and I’d agree. I came here as part of a tour group, so I didn’t take any local guide, but the tour provided enough info to appreciate the site. You can take a buggy to the top for around USD 50, but honestly, it’s not worth it — walking is much better and gives you time to enjoy the scenery. But if you cant walk then you'll need to take it then. There’s a WC available nearby, but the ladies’ WC tends to get crowded. Around the Cotton Castle area, there are a few shops and cafés, but prices are on the higher side. It gets quite hot here, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and some water. Overall, it’s a great experience and definitely worth the walk!

Hierapolis is an absolutely phenomenal historical site that truly stands out! Its uniqueness lies in the seamless blend of ancient Roman ruins with the breathtaking natural wonder of Pamukkale's white travertines. Walking through the vast necropolis, the incredibly well-preserved theater, and the ancient baths, you can almost hear the echoes of past civilizations. The atmosphere is profoundly serene and awe-inspiring, especially as the sun casts long shadows over the ruins. And the views? Simply unforgettable! The panoramic vistas of the "Cotton Castle" combined with the sprawling ancient city are a photographer's dream. A must-visit for any history or nature enthusiast!

The Hierapolis Ancient Theatre is one of the most stunning and well-preserved Roman theatres in Turkey. Sitting high above Pamukkale, it offers not only an incredible glimpse into history but also breathtaking views of the travertine terraces and valley below. The scale of the theatre is impressive, with seating for thousands, and the decorative details on the stage area are still visible despite centuries of wear. Walking through the steps and standing at the top gives you a true sense of how grand performances must have felt here. Be prepared for a bit of a climb from the main site—it’s uphill, but absolutely worth it once you see the theatre in full. I recommend visiting early in the morning or later in the evening when the crowds thin out. If you’re already visiting Pamukkale, don’t miss this highlight—it’s the crown jewel of Hierapolis and a must-see for history lovers and photographers alike.

The ancient theater of Hierapolis in Pamukkale impresses with its scale and state of preservation: the steps and stage are well preserved, and the acoustics are truly outstanding—even a quiet voice can be heard throughout the amphitheater. The upper tiers offer excellent views of the ruins and the valley. I recommend visiting early in the morning or at sunset to avoid the heat and capture the soft light for photos. Be sure to bring water and comfortable shoes, as the stone steps are slippery. A must-see for history buffs: the combination of architecture and setting makes this place unforgettable.

The Hierapolis Ancient Theatre, built in the 2nd century AD, is a grand Roman structure seating over 12,000 people. It features beautifully preserved carvings and stunning views over Pamukkale’s white terraces.

This is an ancient Greek theatre. The theatre is well preserved. It is large and built of stones. You can walk on the stairs and enjoy the view. A guide is recommended to understand about this place. A must visit spot in Hierapolis.

Stage area reconstruction is impressive and the overall steepness of the seating area is cool. Definitely worth the walk.

Cleopatra pool is under renovation and the fence around it doesn’t let you even see inside. Also, the travertine pools are nearly all drained. There are 3 hidden ones you can wade in but don’t expect much for pictures. That being said the ruins are quite impressive and the museum is well done.

Just a few steps from the travertine terraces, this peaceful park is full of ancient ruins, shady trees, and calm paths to wander. It’s a great place to rest after soaking in the thermal waters and feel the layers of history all around you. ➕ Scattered Roman ruins and old stonework Quiet, green space away from the crowds Beautiful photo spots and benches to relax ➖ Not much signage or information ❤️: Worth a stroll if you’re already in Pamukkale — history and nature in one calm corner.

Well worth the visit and remember to bring swimming clothes. The water is warm around 28°C and I would set aside about 1 to 2 hours. They also have the food court in the same vicinity so grabbing a bite to eat and getting something to drink is a recommendation. The earlier you arrive the better and avoiding the late morning to afternoon rush is the way to go.

One of the must visit places to experience if you go to Hierapolis...this Antique pool is known to have Thermal water with minerals which is good for your body...Honestly it is an experience worth to have.. The pool is so relaxing with warm water but be careful of the big rocks inside the pool, when you swim or walk inside the pool. The water is not very deep and you can relaxing by sitting on the big rocks. Cafe, Toilets, Lockers, shower and changing places are available by the pool. Overall very good experience.

Visited Pamukkale 5th March 25. Really disappointed S & S travel by the Orange Bazzar Lara Beach didn't tell us that the Cleopatra pool had been closed since January 25. Also there are only 3 little water filled pools on the travetines as the images you see online are either very old photo shopped as the area now looks nothing like any photos. I will say however the Hierapolis are as shown online images and pretty impressive. The tour guide lifted up a wooden pallet that had been placed over part of an open aqueduct, this was the only bit of water that you could touch that was warm. The water in the 3 pools on the travetines was just above the ankles and was probably from the recent down pour of rain it was freezing cold. If you like ancient Roman ruins its worth going. If you want to see beautiful filled travetine pools don't bother they no longer exist

The pools are closed and dry of water, the lady in the entrance she will till you 30 euro, and once u try to pay with card she will add 10 euro without telling you. So basically scamming you. Luckily for me I checked before tapping my card. It’s just some old stones that they call it history.

The pool is closed while a new structure is built around it. The guards told us that the pool would re-open in October 2025.

We were attending this attraction on Saturday, 11 o'clock. It took us 3.5 hours to get there from Fethiye so we couldn't make it earlier and we were ready to see many people inside , even though it wasn't high season anymore. You make a big circle on the car to get to the official parking lot, pay 120 tl for parking and then get through the gates. In October 2025 1 ticket costs 30 Euro and you pay in liras. Then you start your journey using a golf car or walking The territory is huge. At first, you walk through the ancient city and it takes you around 20 minutes to get to the travertines. There are not many people around, they are all chilling at the pools. There's a beautiful garden and mountains around your way, many benches and tables for the picnic which is really nice. You can also visit the museum and the ancient theatre. The travertines are very beautiful in the sunlight. Not all of them are filled with water but you can still take great pictures Some people get deep down so they are alone in the bigger area, all of the tourists are concentrated on top of the pools. You need to take of the shoes to get there, the stones can be slippery but the water is pretty warm. The views around are breathtaking! You can also enjoy your time at the cafes right next to the travertines and get some snacks. So I'd say it was worth visiting once in the life time (in the sunny weather and preferably earlier on the weekday) however the entrance fee is very high and I'm not sure it's equivalent to the experience you get

Pamukkale is impressive from the first step. The snow-white terraces and azure pools look almost unreal, like a natural chalk castle. Hiking trails allow you to get close to the cascades; the water is warm and pleasantly tickles your feet. There are many tourists, so peaceful photos are rare-arrive early in the morning or late in the evening. There's an entrance fee, and some terraces are closed for conservation, but the overall view is breathtaking. Nearby Hierapolis boasts a well-preserved Roman amphitheater it's worth a visit. Bring comfortable shoes, a swimsuit, and water; don't leave litter and respect the securit rules. I highly recommend it it's one of those places that's easier to experience than to describe.

It is an amazing natural formation by accumulating minerals from the flowing hot spring water. There is a dedicated section where tourists can experience travertine and hot spring water under their feet. It is required to enter the travertine area without shoes and socks. There is a self serve cafeteria. There are always a huge number of tourists visiting it. Considering that there is an entry fee, the authority could increase the number of WC facilities.

A magical place for me! The real experience of walking barefoot (like most) or with some bathing shoes in this white marvel is bar none. Even though there is a lot of water, I found the surfaces to be not slippery at all. You can spend a few hours just running around the hill. Enterprise of €30 is a bit steep.

We entered through the South Gate, which is the closest entrance to the travertines. If you’re visiting with children, elderly people, or anyone with walking difficulties, it’s better to take a buggy car — tickets for it are available right after the ticket check. The amphitheatre is a bit uphill, but worth the short climb. Many of the travertine pools had water during our visit, and all the main attractions — the travertines, ancient amphitheatre, Cleopatra Pool, and other monuments — are located within the same area. Unfortunately, the Cleopatra Pool was closed for renovation when we visited. Please note that the entry gate opens only at 8 a.m. We arrived at 6:30 a.m. but were told that even the parking area gates would open only at 8 a.m. We still got to enjoy watching the hot air balloons take off around 6:30 a.m. from outside the gate, which was a beautiful experience.

Very beautiful place. Very interesting. It is better to come with short clothes or a swimsuit. It's just a shame that it's so expensive for tourists. For tourists 30 euros and for Turks 4 euros. At the checkout they are trying to sell headphones For 10 euros. That they don't need them at all.

It’s definitely an attraction worth visiting, but I don’t feel the €30 entrance fee is justified. The place is rich in history and the audio guide shares fascinating stories from the past, making it a wonderful site to learn from. Still, the price feels a bit too high. I hope the government could consider lowering the entrance fee or at least offering discounted rates for groups. The colors give the impression of being painted, and uncovering the history behind them makes the experience truly engaging.

Great day out, very pretty and amazing sight. The salt was a bit hard on your feet at times as you can't wear shoes until you get to the top. It was nice to paddle in the pools.

We enjoyed ourselves and it was very informative. The ruins are cool especially the reconstructions but also just lots of columns and carving laying about. The museum was also very good. It was hot but there are numerous fountains and shady benches and picnic tables, cafe prices are relatively reasonable considering.

Beautiful site, but frustrating experience Hierapolis is stunning, with incredible ancient ruins and breathtaking views. However, the visitor experience could be much better. They charge $10 for Bluetooth headphones, but you can’t even use them during the tour, which feels misleading. While the history and scenery are worth seeing, the management of tours and extra charges leaves a lot to be desired.

If you love going back in time to see how the ancient people lived, then this is a must see place. The amphitheater is mind blowing and breathe taking. This was a city that had Roman influence and the artifacts and carving were mind boggling.

Completely bad ass. Mega old city up on a hill. The tomb of Philip the Apostle, BTW it's empty. Calcium pools at sunrise, i cut my foot in there. Balloons at sunrise...way cool. Oh and the Gates of Hell. You can't go in there because, yep, you'll die. WOO HOO!!!

It's a quiet good place but to much people and looks kinda artificial. Not enough water and it could be very hot in a sunny day. And in the entrance they try to scam you. They'll give you 30 euro tickets then will charge like 40 euros and won't even ask if you wanna pay or not I just realized it because I was paying for few people and the money it deducted was like insane then I asked them why have I been charged extra they said that they gave me a headphone that I never asked for then somehow I managed to return the head phone and get refunded but I bet 90% of people who are paying by a card won't even notice

Nice place to see some history, be prepared to walk and get lots of sun. Has some cafes for food and drink Be aware that if you want to walk down you need to go barefoot. Otherwise you're taking one of the roads back down (long way). There is parking even outside the lot along the road and some other places for free.

I loved the warm water mixed with the cold water, however I thought that the rocks were slippery and pointy. I recommend wearing socks while walking on the hot spring.

Expensive for foreigners but nearly free for locals, which is fair i think. Still totally worth it. Great day out.

Apparently, €30 isn’t enough for just two pools and an amphitheater. They’ll sneak in an extra €10 charge for some cheap, ugly earphones, presented as if they’re doing you a favor, without even telling you you’ve already been billed... How evil is that? (If this happens to you, don’t let it slide. Insist on a refund, they’ll give it back if you push.) Also the place looks beautiful only in the pictures, totally not worth it.

Beautiful natural park (without entrance fee) near the travertines of Pamukkale. It's a nice place to relax and watch the sunset.

this is a park at the foot of the travertines. In the park there is a small pond where ducks swim, and there is also a cafe where you can drink coffee. excellent view of the travertines from below. you can walk around the park, as well as ride catamarans for 40 lire.

One of the best places in Turkey! Although not as famous as other destinations, its surely as stunning as the rest, if not more! The park itself is breathtaking. Unlike anything I've ever seen. Its taken really good care of. You have to take of your shoes and socks and walk barefoot up the 'cotton' mountain. But be aware, its not really cotton check the photos im uploading. The floor is very rough and at some points painful to step on, but thats the beauty of the place. Its so Natural and untouched. The water is remarkable as well. I went in early November and the weather was perfect. Many paragliding companies offer trip over the beautiful city to enhance the experience as well. Would highly recommend paragliding over the city. Also great ruins behind the mountain to see.

It’s not a huge park but tiny, quiet and good to take a walk around the pond. There’s one island in the middle of the pond, many geese take a rest there. Rent a duck boat is 6TL for 10mins. It was nice! 👍🏼🦆

great place to visit. free entrance and lot to see. no crowds. you can reach this place only with a car.

Definitely off the beaten path but pretty impressive. They are continually excavating and unearthing the area. They have already posted signs of information. If you’re up for a short high, the view at the top is really nice. Right now it is free to visit and it closes at 5:00. There was 1 other person visiting when we arrived and there were a couple diggers in the area.

Make sure not to miss this hidden gem if you're in the vicinity. Located approximately 40 km north of Denizli, to the east of Buldan and Yenicekent Towns, it nestles at the base of a hill nestled between the Buyuk Menderes River and Yenicekent Town. The stunning natural landscape, especially the mountain views, makes it a destination worth exploring! Continuous excavation efforts are underway, revealing more of its historical treasures. Informative signs have been strategically placed to guide visitors through the site. For those seeking a brief adventure, the panoramic view from the hilltop is simply breathtaking. Admission is currently free, with closing time set at 5:00 PM. During our visit, there were no other tourists around, just a few dedicated excavators working nearby.

Beautiful, peaceful ancient site that you should come to. Entry is free, and there's no other tourists when I'm here. A lot of ancient artifacts and site that you can explore and learn about.

Amazing place! you get very humble here, because,🤩 It's very beautiful, and special, to Walk in the remains of an ancient city of the old roman empire! You can almost imagine ,what is must look like back then!

Hidden gem in between villages. Tripolis provides guests with a lot to look at. Thanks to the, still ongoing, reconstructions. Walk through the old streets, have a look into the remote church and even make a little break at the elevation with an astonishing panorama-view. If you're near Denizli/Aydın then plan a day-vacation! Besides, entree is free and you'll even be escorted by a companion. The cute dog will follow you and is more than happy to get some pets on his head.

Wow. What a find this was. Off the beaten track for sure, but we'll worth a 30 min stop on your route. Information boards in English and Turkish. Imagine it would be spectacular at night too. Free parking. No shade. A little uneven under foot (push chairs would struggle).

Another must-see archeological site. İt is about a 3hrs drive from Izmir. What impressed me the most was the 170mt pool, it is unrestored now but I hope it will be one day. One remark: the museum building is closed to visitors.

One of the most fascinating places I have ever been to. Absolutely stunning peace's with very well preserved parts. I loved the masks wall and also the pool at the main square. Don't miss the Theatre. Less expensive (€12) and much less crowded than Ephesus

Enchanting archeological site. Some buildings are in incredible good state and the visit is very enjoyable as there aren’t crowds of tourists.

The archeological site is fantastic, interesting and beautiful. You can easily spend there 2 hours. Take some water and a hat, as it can be very hot on the sun. However, the Museum is currently closed...and this was very dissapointing.

It is one of the best places I have ever been. 100% worth it. We were alone

Absolutely beautiful, well-preserved and off the beaten path. Low crowds mean you can walk on and around the ruins. Come early and explore in near silence and solitude.

We had limited time and we were not sure if we should include this in our itinerary, but we did and we were delighted. Way less crowded than Ephesus, and from my point of view experientially deeper and easier to immerse into the history of the place without the tour busses. Though smaller than Ephesus, the 170 m long swimming pool must have been a treat, and Aphrodisias had plenty of water the gardens were reportedly magnificent. Definitely a City I may have wanted to live in back in the day…

Another must-see archeological site. İt is about a 3hrs drive from Izmir. What impressed me the most was the 170mt pool, it is unrestored now but I hope it will be one day. One remark: the museum building is closed to visitors.

One of the most fascinating places I have ever been to. Absolutely stunning peace's with very well preserved parts. I loved the masks wall and also the pool at the main square. Don't miss the Theatre. Less expensive (€12) and much less crowded than Ephesus

Enchanting archeological site. Some buildings are in incredible good state and the visit is very enjoyable as there aren’t crowds of tourists.

The archeological site is fantastic, interesting and beautiful. You can easily spend there 2 hours. Take some water and a hat, as it can be very hot on the sun. However, the Museum is currently closed...and this was very dissapointing.

It is one of the best places I have ever been. 100% worth it. We were alone

Absolutely beautiful, well-preserved and off the beaten path. Low crowds mean you can walk on and around the ruins. Come early and explore in near silence and solitude.

We had limited time and we were not sure if we should include this in our itinerary, but we did and we were delighted. Way less crowded than Ephesus, and from my point of view experientially deeper and easier to immerse into the history of the place without the tour busses. Though smaller than Ephesus, the 170 m long swimming pool must have been a treat, and Aphrodisias had plenty of water the gardens were reportedly magnificent. Definitely a City I may have wanted to live in back in the day…

Not enough water to explore the canyon on boats.

Nice day out.. with a trip on a boat with stunning views.. followed by trout & salad and loads of good Turkish bread.. washed down with a cool beer.. great time by all..

A huge canyon. The boat trip takes about 2 hours. The lenght is 12 km. Depending on the water level you can see all 12 km or 8 to 9 km. The trip fee is 15 tl for students and 25 tl for aduts for 2018. Discount for groups is available. There some historical houses and king tomb's of Persian time on the side shore of the canyon. Deepness of water is very changeable due to watering the farm fields.

Another hidden beauty of Turkey. There are boat tours within the canyon during springtime when the water is high.

Water level is low in the year of 2021. Because of that you will not able to see king's stone temple. Overall is a good experience. Boat tours are running by local municipality so they are nice and helpful.

Pleasant boat trip, basic lunch very pleasant

Stunning views of the canyon, the colour of the water is just beautiful

There's no glutenfree food options for celiac people in the service areas.

Excellent even for one day trip.

It was closed.

The resort itself was closed

Super

(Translated by Google) Hello, There is no permission to go to the entrance of the ski resort. The Gendarmerie does not allow it. You can leave the vehicle on the side of the road and continue on foot. If you want to make sausage, bread and tea with a view of Bozdağ, there were many people lighting a barbecue. We went up the hills from the roadside and enjoyed the snow. (Original) Merhabalar, Kayak merkezinin girişine gitmeye kadar izin yok Jandarma izin vermiyor.yol kenarında aracı bırakıp yürüyerek devam edebiliyorsunuz.Yol kenarında Bozdağ manzaralı sucuk ekmek çay yapmak isterseniz mangal yakanlar çok vardı.Yol kenarından yukarı tepelere çıkıp kar keyfimizi yaptık.

(Translated by Google) There wasn't much snow when I went. So we could only sled. It was very crowded. Also, the products in the cafe at the facility were really bad. Salep wasn't salep, coffee wasn't coffee (Original) Gittiğimde pek kar yoktu. Bu yüzden sadece kızakla kaymamaız mümkün oldu. Çok kalabalıktı. Ayrıca tesisteki cafedeki ürünler gerçekten çok kötüydü. Salep salep değildi kahve kahve değildi

Great history

A mosque from year 1312 in Birgi village, near Odemis town of Izmir city, Turkey

People must to visit.. Different world 🗺

Nice place

(Translated by Google) During our trip to the Aegean Region, we also visited the Aydınoğlu Mehmet Bey Mosque located in Birgi District of Ödemiş District. But it was temporarily closed for restoration. When viewed from the outside of the mosque, cut stone, rubble stone and brick were used. Especially its cylindrical minaret was made of bricks, and the bricks were processed like a mosaic. Aydınoğlu Mehmet Bey Mosque was built by Aydınoğlu Mehmet Bey, the founder of the Aydınoğulları Principality, in 1312. It was the first mosque built by Aydınoğulları. The most striking feature of the mosque, which was built in the form of a social complex with its bathhouse and madrasah, is the lion statue in its corner. (Original) Ege Bölgesi gezimiz sırasında Ödemiş İlçesinin Birgi Mahallesin de bulunan Aydınoğlu Mehmet Bey Camisine de ziyaret ettik. Ama restorasyon için geçici kapatılmış. Cami dışarıdan bakıldığında kesme taş, moloz taş ve tuğla kullanılmış. Özellikle silindirik minaresi tuğla ile yapılmış, tuğla mozaik gibi işlenmiş. Aydınoğlu Mehmet Bey Camii, Aydınoğulları Beyliği'nin kurucusu Aydınoğlu Mehmet Bey tarafından 1312'de yaptırılmış. Aydınoğulları tarafından yaptırılan ilk camiiymiş. Hamamı ve medresesi ile birlikte külliye biçiminde inşa edilen caminin en dikkat çeken özelliği köşesinde bulunan aslan heykeli.

(Translated by Google) A place steeped in history. There is a statue and tomb of Umur Bey opposite Aydınoğlu Mehmet Bey Mosque. It's like a square. There was a madrasa across from it. A place that feels peaceful. (Original) Tarih kokan bir yer. Aydınoğlu Mehmet bey Camii karşısında Umur bey heykeli ve türbe var. Meydan gibi bir yer. Çaprazında da medrese vardı. Huzurlu hissettiren bir mekân.

(Translated by Google) This is the heart of Birgi. The Grand Mosque center is here. The statue of Umur Bey is in the square with a beautiful view where cars are parked next to it, and the tomb of Sultan Shah stands in the middle of the road with its unusual hexagonal structure. Birgivi madrasah can be seen next to the Umur Bey statue. Birgi's Grand Mosque is truly extraordinary. There was a funeral when we went. While we were hesitant to enter, a person in charge of the mosque (thankfully, there are many officials in Anatolia who know the history of their mosques and tell people about it) invited us inside. Unfortunately, the mosque and tomb have survived from the social complex, which had a bath and a madrasah when it was built in 1312, to the present day. You can reach the mosque by going down the stairs. This is the first time I have come across such a place after the Underground Mosque in Karaköy. But the unique thing is that it has no dome and its ceiling is not flat. While the mosques of the Principality period had small domes or a flat ceiling as the usual building style, the ceiling of the mosque in Birgi is almost in the shape of a ship's keel. The original turquoise color used in the mihrab is still not produced today. The color difference in the places where the original and modern production tiles meet during the restoration is quite evident. The pulpit is a masterpiece. Künekari technique shows itself here too. It is thought that his master was Muzafereddin bin Abdulvahid. The wood used is of course walnut. The officer in charge explained the geometric development of the structure that characterizes the solar system in a way we could easily understand. (Oh, I can't do it again, let alone do it, I can't even imagine it in my mind) But what happened to the door of the pulpit is worth telling. There is no need to explain the geometric engravings on the door. In my opinion, it is one of the best of the Principality period. Others must have agreed with me because they knocked on the door. A woman in England comes across the door by chance. It's biting the eye somewhere. While returning home and reviewing the photographs, he sees that it belongs to the pulpit door of Birgi Ulu Mosque and reports it. After a few correspondences and efforts, the door returns to where it belongs. The column capitals inside the mosque are made of spoliated materials. Like most grand mosques, it was not built on the site of an old church. However, as I said, it can be observed that spolia is used in some parts. The most striking example of this is the lion statue, which I think dates back to archaic times. This lion statue, which can be seen right at the edge of the mosque, seems to have had its share of the cruelty of time. In the courtyard of the mosque, you can see the courtyard containing the sarcophagi belonging to Aydınoğlu Mehmet Bey, the founder of the Aydınoğlu Principality, and his sons İsa, Bahadır and Umur Bey. (Original) Birgi ‘nin kalbi burası. Ulu cami merkezi buranın. Yanında arabaların park ettiği güzel manzaralı meydancıkta Umur Bey ‘in heykeli, karşısında Sultan Şah türbesi alışılmadık altıgen yapısıyla yolun ortasında durmakta. Umur Bey heykelinin yanında Birgivi medresesi görülebiliyor. Birgi'nin Ulu Camii gerçekten sıra dışı. Biz gittiğimizde bir cenaze vardı. Biz girmeye çekinirken camide görevli bir kişi (ki şükürler olsun Anadolu'da camilerinin tarihlerini bilip bunu insanlara anlatan çok sayıda görevli var) bizi içeri davet etti. Vakti zamanında -1312 de yapıldığında - hamamı ve medresesi olan külliyeden günümüze ne yazık ki cami ve türbe ulaşabilmiş. Caminin içine merdivenlerden inerek ulaşılmakta. Karaköy'deki Yeraltı Camii'nden sonra ilk kez böyle bir yere denk geldim. Ama benzersiz yanı kubbesinin olmadığı gibi tavanının da düz olmaması. Beylikler dönemi camilerinin küçük kubbeleri olması yada düz bir tavana sahip olması alışılageldik yapı şekli iken Birgi'de caminin tavanı adeta gemi omurgası şeklinde. Mihrapta kullanılan orijinal firuze renk günümüzde hala üretilememekte. Orijinal ve modern üretim çinilerin restorasyonda buluştuğu yerlerdeki renk ayrımı oldukça belirgin. Minber bir şaheser. Kündekari tekniği burada da kendini gösteriyor. Ustasının Muzafereddin bin Abdulvahid olduğu sanılıyor. Kullanılan ahşap tabii ki ceviz. Güneş sistemini nitelendiren yapının geometrik gelişimini görevli arkadaş kolayca anlayacağımız şekilde anlattı. (Ha yine yapamam,yapmak değil kafamda hayal bile edemem) Fakat mimberin kapısının başına gelenler anlatmaya değer. Kapının üzerindeki geometrik işlemeri anlatmaya gerek yok. Beylikler döneminin bence en iyilerinden. Başkaları da benle aynı fikirde olmalı ki kapıyı çalmışlar. İngiltere'de bir kadın rastlantı eseri kapıya denk gelir. Bir yerden gözü ısırmaktadır. Evine dönüp fotoğrafları gözden geçirirken Birgi Ulu camiinin minber kapısına ait olduğunu görüp ihbar eder. Bir iki yazışmadan , uğraşıdan sonra kapı ait olduğu yere geri döner. Caminin içindeki sütun başlıkları devşirme malzeme. Çoğu ulu caminin olduğu gibi eski bir kilisenin yerine yapılmış değil. Bununla beraber dediğim gibi kimi yerlerinde devşirme madde kullanıldığı gözlemlenebiliyor. Bunun en çarpıcı örneği arkaik dönemlere ait olduğunu sandığım aslan geykeli. Caminin tam kenarında görülebilen bu aslan heykeli de zamanın acımasızlığından nasibini epeyce almış gibi. Caminin avlusunda Aydınoğlu Beyliği'nin kurucusu Aydınoğlu Mehmet Bey ve oğulları İsa, Bahadır ve Umur Bey’ lere ait sandukaların yer aldığı avlu görülebilir.

What a great place to see the history! An amazing mansion specificly designed to wake up while looking at the Bozdaglar. Each room designed differently. Recommend to visit this place.

It is a very nice old mansion for 200+ years, now it is a museum. The rooms where all the walls are beautifully adorned with ornaments are spectacular. However, there are no furnished room .

Birgi is an enchanting village in Turkiye that feels untouched by time. Known for its beautifully preserved Ottoman architecture, rich historical significance, and peaceful “slow town” vibe, Birgi offers an immersive experience into Turkish heritage and rural life. Designated as a Cittaslow, or "slow town," Birgi takes pride in preserving its traditional lifestyle and natural environment, creating a refreshing escape for travelers seeking history, culture, and tranquility. Birgi’s roots trace back to ancient times, when it was home to Phrygian, Lydian, and Roman civilizations before flourishing under the Aydinids and later the Ottomans. As a result, Birgi is a living tapestry of history, blending diverse cultures and architectural styles in a way that feels both rich and harmonious. This legacy makes Birgi a unique and invaluable part of Turkey’s cultural landscape, as well as a destination of international importance for those interested in historical preservation. One of Birgi's most striking features is its well-preserved Ottoman architecture. Walking through the village's cobblestone streets, you’ll find elegant wooden houses with intricate woodwork and traditional stone facades, many of which date back centuries. The Çakırağa Mansion, one of Birgi’s most iconic buildings, is a masterpiece of Ottoman craftsmanship. Built in the 18th century, this grand mansion features beautifully painted interiors and detailed wood carvings that reflect the sophistication and artistic talent of its time. It’s a rare example of the Ottoman elite’s lifestyle and remains one of Turkey’s most treasured heritage sites. The Great Mosque of Birgi, or Ulu Camii, is another must-visit landmark. Built in the early 14th century by Mehmet Bey, the mosque is one of the oldest in Anatolia and a stunning example of Seljuk architecture. Its wooden minbar, decorated with delicate carvings, and the unique stone design reflect the aesthetic sensibilities of the Aydinid period. This mosque is a peaceful place to reflect on the region’s spiritual history and admire the craftsmanship that has withstood the centuries. Birgi’s commitment to preserving its heritage extends beyond its architecture to its way of life. As a Cittaslow, Birgi prioritizes sustainable living and traditional culture, inviting visitors to slow down and savor the small moments. The village’s narrow streets are lined with family-run shops, artisan markets, and cozy cafes where you can enjoy locally sourced food and handmade crafts. The pace of life here is slow, allowing you to truly appreciate the surroundings and connect with the local people, who are warm, welcoming, and proud of their heritage. The local cuisine is another highlight of a visit to Birgi. Many of the dishes here are prepared with ingredients grown in the surrounding farmlands and flavored with herbs from the Bozdağ Mountains. You can savor traditional Aegean dishes, from fresh olive oils to savory gözleme (stuffed flatbreads) and handcrafted jams. Dining in Birgi is not just a meal; it’s a cultural experience that showcases the village’s agricultural roots and commitment to sustainable practices. Birgi’s natural beauty adds to its charm, with lush landscapes, olive groves, and fresh mountain air. The village is surrounded by trails that lead into the Bozdağ Mountains, offering opportunities for hiking and exploring the pristine environment. Each season brings its own beauty to Birgi, from the vibrant blooms of spring to the golden hues of autumn. The landscape itself feels like part of the village’s identity, a source of pride and livelihood for the people who call it home. For anyone interested in history, architecture, or simply finding a peaceful retreat, Birgi is a remarkable destination. Its status as a slow town and dedication to preserving its heritage make it a model for sustainable tourism. By visiting Birgi, you’re not just exploring a village—you’re experiencing a way of life rooted in respect for tradition, nature, and community.

A great gem in the middle of an antique Ottoman outpost village. A relatively well-maintained house with beautiful miniatures and frescoes on its walls, nestled in a green courtyard. A fantastically visual and cuktural treat.

Currently closed due to restoration. You can still see some part of it from the road right above.

One of the unique piece of history and architecture. Birgi is also great place to visit aged with ottoman begliks period and first naval Turkish state in all Turkish history.

One of the bes mansion in Birgi

This is a modern museum, which hosts the latest finds from the Aydın region attributing and classifying them according to the standards of modern scholarship and presenting them in an attractive way for the general public. A must see for everyone interested in the ancient history of the region. Great contrast with the outdated and stuffy Izmir museum.

This is a good place to spend a couple of hours if you find yourself in Aydın. We hadn’t realised that Aydın is surrounded by so many major archaeological sites, so we found it very educational. The displays are perhaps a little too dark, but everything is well labelled in English. The staff at the front desk were kind enough to order a taxi for us to get back to the city centre.

An amazing museum with great location. The stuff is nice and easy,the building is nice. Of course,this museum is not enough to see rich Carian history but it's a very good summary for historical places around. I very highly recommend to visit! It helps you to understand the area better.

If you are driving through Aydın, do visit this fantastic museum

One of the best experiences I had. The display is so nicely done. The narrative is very clear to understand. There is no confusing archeological language that will upset the visitor. The artifacts/objects are explained in the simplest way but with enough details. I really enjoyed the exhibition.I recommend everyone who sees the sites in Aydın (Tralleis, Miletus, Alabanda, Magnesia and all the others)

It’s nice museum, there’s a lot of artifacts

Great side trip if you have extra time, but if not skip. Cost 12 lira

It is a well, easy accessible mall designed for hot climates. You can find anything you look for. I was there one of the hottest days of July and had some discomfort while eating. Dining area is open air and there should be more AC that you can eat easily in the scorching days.

A very nice open air al fresco shopping centre. Not very big but it’s adequate.

The mall is not so big, mostly open and most of the shop are makeup and fashion stores. Also it's very family friendly.

open mall, nice with a lot of good turkish brands. and the prices is better

A summer mall We stopped here and had some coffee in our trip to the south of Turkey

It's an open air shopping mall located in center of Aydın. It's nice and cool place. At least you feel fresh air while you're buying things. There is a big food court and some popular cafes. You can find many popular brands and stores in it. There is enough place for parking,it's not wasting your time like other malls.

So easy to see and even driving time .Just next to main Street but it's a quite place to enjoy your time .A lot of potion for food .Second floor just food court Enjoy your time

If you survive the drive getting here (more on that at the end of this review), you will find Labranda (Labraunda) to be quite a fascinating historical site. I spent almost three hours here on a perfectly beautiful day in spring 2023, and only two other people showed up, so Labranda is definitely off the beaten tourist path. That means it is very quiet, unspoiled, you won't be constantly eagle-eyed by over-zealous caretakers as happens at places like Eleusis and Delphi, no graffiti, and you can physically experience the site in its entirety, even scrambling inside Zeus' rock cleft atop the cliff. There is also no charge to park or enter the site. The downside, however, is a lack of off-street parking (you have to park along the roadway), primitive toilet, and a bit of safety risk with the steepness and cliff. Definitely not accessible to wheelchairs. Some reviewers have complained about lack of informational signage, but I counted at least ten informational signs, all in excellent condition in both Turkish and English. Famous in antiquity for its oracle of Zeus, his cult here dated from the 6th century BC, but most of what you see today is from the 4th century BC. Zeus' oracle was (almost) unique in antiquity, it is conjectured, for using "bejeweled" fish as its method of divination. The remains include a large Hypostyle Fountain which was calculated to hold more than 2000 cubic feet of water(60 x 25 feet; "Hypostyle" means a building that has a roof supported by a row of columns). Labranda consists of a series of constructed terraces going uphill from the roadway, mostly connected by stairways (one of which is quite grand). The Temple of Zeus lies at the foot of the cliff just to the west of the cleft rock. The cleft in that rock, by the way, is split so wide that you can walk right through it, and at the back and below it (opposite the cliff face) some ancient stairs can be seen cut into the rock. That dramatic cleft rock, coupled with the fresh water spring directly below it, was the original attraction for a sanctuary here. The mythological tale is that Zeus threw a thunderbolt into the rock which split it. The most vertical buildings on site are "androns" or entertainment buildings for men dating from the 4th century BC. Atop the cliff there is a prominent rock with a rectangular hole cut into it, but it is a mystery since there was no signage concerning it. Only after my visit to Labranda did I realize there may be additional ruins further south (see with satellite image at coordinates 37.404176, 27.805689), but I did not visit that spot. Since there were a series of tombs and sepulchers along the ancient Sacred Way, perhaps that is what lies there, but that's a guess. Labranda is definitely worth visiting, but I need to add a strong cautionary note. The 9 mile (14 km) drive to Labranda from Milas can be rather harrowing. There are immense marble quarries operated by Kultan Mining to the north, and consequently the Milas Karpuzlu Yolu roadway gets jammed with huge trucks trying to drive as rapidly as possible. That's a problem because the roadway is terribly inconsistent in both width and surface quality, such that there are times when you need to drive around sharp/blind corners with barely room for one vehicle to pass. I had to deal with at least 60 trucks barreling at me along this twisty drive, and that led to several near misses (of the head-on collision variety). Not for the faint of heart. Presumably, that roadway is built along much of the ancient Sacred Way that connected Labranda with Mylasa (today's Milas) when the oracle was in full swing.

The ruins are great to see. The road to reach the ancient city is a bit difficult with a lot of potholes and trucks, therefore I strongly recommend to be careful. But you can be sure that the view and atmosphere totally worth that difficulty. Enjoy the breathtaking view 🤩🤩

Flintstone houses ⛰️🏚️🤠 I don't know what was more astonishing... The once 4 lane mega highway that quickly funnels down into single lane bottleneck road paved in soap with massive 18-wheelers flying up the side of this twisty mountain pass or these ancient tombs from over 4,800 years ago just off the side of said suicide road 🤔 I'm not exaggerating when I say no less than three times we truly thought there would have been a massive accident with serious fatalities when multiple semi trucks met each other coming around these crazy sharp slippery corners driving like bats out of hell 🚛💨🦇🔥🔥🔥🔥 We got here pretty late in the day and actually got to have an amazing sunset to enjoy while exploring these ruins. The guard who lives here 24/7 was very friendly but was not overly happy about giving us a very quick nickel tour before he was tossing us out on our ear since we were there after hours 😂🤣😂 I completely understand. No one wants to work after hours doing overtime while their dinner is getting cold 🤗🤷‍♂️💪 I was really impressed with these tombs carved out of massive boulders. Things like this simply astonish me because I have trouble comprehending just how much time energy and effort would have been needed to make something like this back in the day 🤯 There were some really great temples and an amphitheater here as well. Overlooking the valley with the sunset made this place extra special for sure 👌👌👌 I even got to have some mountain pup love! This doggy was super cool and very protective of this site. He had crazy gentle eyes though... Almost as if he knew all the secrets of the universe like a big furry Buddha... I miss this pup already 😭🐶🌄🐾

Nice quiet place. Definitely off the tourist beaten path. Amazing complex for being so far out in the middle of nowhere. Great place if you like original archeology but not so good if you didn’t research it in advance (not much signage). “Guarded” by super cute Anatolian Sheepdog. Be sure to spend quality time with her!

This site is somewhat off of the beaten track. Off road (just!) Parking very limited! Maybe 4 cars max? Free to enter. Lots to see and some information boards too (English and Turkish). Expect to have to scramble. We walked it wearing trainers but recommend walking boots. Will be very wet underfoot if it has rained. Lots of information boards (English and Turkish).

Highly recommended! The road is precarious, with heavy truck traffic due to a nearby quarry. The ruins are impressive, the view over the hills simply stunning. On a February mid-week we had the site to ourselves (with a friendly site guard). The toilet was very clean.

Amazing ancient archeological site. It's a bit difficult to reach as there is virtually no way of getting there with public transportation, but if you have a car, do not miss it. It's usually very quiet so you get the whole place to yourselves.

Euromos is impressive for having a large Temple of Zeus (his local epithet was Lepsinos/Lepsynos) that still has 16 full-length vertical columns with capitals (plus other truncated columns). It is located at the base of Kizilbay Hill on the east side of the D525 highway, roughly between Didim and Milas (closer to Milas, about 13 miles northwest of the city) and access couldn't be easier with the paved parking lot a mere 150 feet down a well maintained gravel driveway from the D525. A pedestrian entry fee is required, which in truth is only a nominal cost by American standards (three bucks or so). The Temple of Zeus is immediately apparent as you walk along that same driveway, about 500 feet east of the admin/ticket building, with naught but a gentle uphill rise and consequently quite accessible for people with ambulatory challenges. The Temple of Zeus is currently fenced off while being "renovated," which undoubtledly is controversial for some. In other words, the Turkish antiquity authorities are not just cleaning and preserving the ruins, they are actually rebuilding the temple in its entirety using brand new marble where required. If you've seen the "restoration" of the Bouleterion at Stratonikeia (incorrectly signed as the Temple of Isis; go figure) then you know how this will turn out, although the new marble at Euromos is quite a bit more complex, even including newly carved Corinthian capitals (note attached picture where I use my hand to provide scale). It is being done more in the name of tourism than archaeology, thus therein lies the controversy. There is more to see here than the Temple of Zeus, including rather extensive walls which necessitate a relatively brief but somewhat steep climb to reach (the views are quite nice), a 3rd century BC theatre in rather dilapidated condition (it is 2500 years old, after all), an agora with low-lying remains, and perhaps most interestingly after the Temple of Zeus is a Roman-period vaulted monumental tomb complex lying just along the D525 highway south from the aforementioned driveway. There is also a Carian rock-cut necropolis in the foothills above Euromos, which probably predates the original Greek settlement in 6th century BC, but I did not visit them so have no comments (if indeed they are accessible to the public). Without prejudice against the "restoration" to the Temple of Zeus, at this time I can only give Euromos four stars due to the project which prevents access to the temple, but otherwise this is definitely a site worth a good hour or two's visit while driving between Didyma and, for example, Stratonikeia and/or Labranda.

We saw this temple from the road and made the stop. Worth it. These ruins are winding through olive orchards making for a nice walk through. The Temple of Zeus steals the show but it's worth walking through and see the progress being made in restorations, especially the theater.

The lesser known site of Euromos has an amazingly intact temple as well as a partially excavated amphitheatre. This is one site that you can see the work of the archeologists and restoration team live in action. Example carved marble stones are also on display to give you an idea of what it looked like new. Don't miss out!

Beautiful ancient site with a new visitor centre and toilets..The theatre is worth visiting,you would clearly understand how the excavations carried out as some of the row of seats(cavea ) are under the soil..

A very well-preserved temple of Zeus, only a few miles out of Milas. I recommend a stop if you're on your way to Ephesus from Bodrum.

The ticket costs 60 lire per person, the ancient city is impressive, but there is very little information, so we had to use Wikipedia and other sources to understand what it's all about 😀🇹🇷, it's best to go in the morning or evening because the sightseeing is full sun, don't forget about water because there are no shops or restaurants nearby.

It is located between Milas and Bafa Lake. It is known to be one of the best preserved temples in Asia Minor which is the Temple of Euromos. It was built in the 2nd century A.D. It was consisted of 17 columns originally and today 16 of them are standing. The temple was believed to be completed ever. A few meters away from the Temple to the north, the city of Euromos is located. The remains of a round tower from 300 B.C. and a theatre can be seen. Several underground tomb chambers and a large building which could be the bath are among the ruins of the city. Euromos was a wealthy city whose inhabitants were living in some disharmony.

Lots of sites around Bafa Lake Seven Monasteries site on hills in back if you fancy a climb. Down by the lake it's equally as peaceful,

Bafa Lake offers an ideal location for relaxation with its impressive setting, and full with visitors who prefer cooling off in the lakeside cafes & restaurants for enjoying the excellent view. As an ancient gulf transformed into a lake by the alluvial deposits of the river Meander (Buyuk Menderes), Lake Bafa, is situated at the foot of Mount Latmus, at the size of 10 miles length and 3 miles width. The lake is fed by little torrents and by the river Meander during the rainy season. The water flows back into the Meander along the same direction in the summer. The lake is rich for the great variety of fish , salmon, carpi, mullet principally. Also, at certain times, the lake and its environs are visited by thousands of wild ducks, pelicans, water hens, making a marvelous setting. As the cultural and historical values of the Bafa Lake; Heraclia Antic City takes place within the borders of the Lake, at the south west foot of Beşparmak Mountains. In the Antic City there are many historical buildings; these are Athena Temple, an Agora, Council Building, Public Bath, Theatre, Nymphaion (fountain building), and Endymion Temple.

Lake is very big and really beautiful. Just has bad smell in hot weather from aquatic plants. Also it's a home for a lot of kinds of birds

Peaceful place away from tourists. Definitely worth to visit once.

We always go to Herakleion with stunning views, decent restaurants and great ambience.

a beautiful place on the planet, another of the Creator’s many gifts to us; a bird sanctuary where it is possible to see their life in natural conditions; on the shore there are well-equipped places with cafes and comfortable benches for observing the beauty of life

Lake Bafa is a lake and a natural reserve, which is situated along the border line of the Soke District of Aydin Province. The main water sources of this lake are the water floods in the Great Menderes River and the mountains of the surrounding area. This is a peaceful place with a great beauty of nature. Sides of the lake are covered with pine trees, tamarisks and olive groves. The lake is full of various species of water plants, which appreciates living of many species of fishes in Lake Bafa. The lake is also a home to the various species of birds like dwarf cormorants, sea eagles, chameleons, owls, pink flamingos and many others. It is one of the best tourist places to visit in Turkey.

Must stop location! The management team is so good. We went early morning the security team took away our hearts 💕 We couldnt believe there are so many nice humans left. They are taking care of the stray animals making sure they are fed and taken care of. This shows so much importance. The outlet has alot of shops, it is extremely clean and has great restrooms. Please stop and take a break here and support this amazing team for their great TEAMWORK! Thank you thank you! ❤️🙌🏻🫶🏼💫

The shopping district gets really bustling during holidays, but on regular days, it's quite dull. Brands often open more stores here.

Generally nice to wander around. You probably can fulfill most of your needs.

I do love this outlet . And I hear there is big expansions coming soon . Ps . The nearby bus station is a blessing 🙌

Good parking, excellent range of shops though prices on high side.

Good location.many of brands there closed the stores. There isn't variety of brands.

Outdoor shopping centre with all kinds of shops. Plenty of parking space, clean and well maintained.

We visited on a Sunday before noon, and the place was relatively uncrowded at first. However, after lunch, the crowd started to fill the area, including students on a school field trip, which turned into a lively atmosphere. We had the audio guide, but it was somewhat challenging to follow the guide in sequence since some of the audio labels were missing from the exhibition. Nevertheless, we managed to make it work and appreciated the history of each exhibit with the help of the audio guide and museum label. Overall, it was a wonderful experience. The exhibition itself was magnificent; they did an excellent job of organizing and enhancing the visual presentation of each exhibit. To avoid giving away too many spoilers, I didn't post many photos of the place. You have to be there to truly experience it. It’s definitely worth a visit before heading to the ancient city of Ephesus and its archaeological site.

Small museum a little pricey for tge amount of displays. But helpful if you go before seeing Ephesus especially the Temple of Artemis as you get to see what it would have looked like in antiquity. There not much left to see now and it is one of the seven ancient wonders.

On a par with The Forum in Rome this site far exceeded our expectations. We bought a tour on spec from the company at the cruise port and had a fascinating day exploring the capital of ancient Asia Minor. Site is very exposed and can get very hot so bring water, factor 50 sunscreen , hat and comfortable walking shoes.

Historic location, went on a tour here to explain the history. Lots of things to see and hear about, giving you an idea of what life was like in the past. Impressive architecture, particularly the library, easy to walk around with some uneven footpaths which would be slippery when wet.

Amazing place! Journey through time with an open mind. For western civilisation enthusiasts it is a must go to . So much history there gives a great perspective of who we are today.

This place had more then I expected. Having gone to the actual site, I couldn't imagine what they would have here that they didn't already have on site, but turns out one of the most valuable things they have is AC😁. They also had all of the smaller and more detail oriented pieces. The stuff that can't just be left out in the elements without further deteriation, also more modern day wording in the explanations. Don't miss out on the outdoor display. The door wasn't obvious, follow the feet.

What an impressive museum with a great collection display from Ephesus and surrounding area. Definitely worth a visit before or after Ephesus archeological site.

Simply amazing. I visited here after Metropolis. It was a short ride it only took me 15 minutes and it was worth it. This museum is full of classic cars and bikes. I had only twenty minutes to see everything because it closes at 16:30 but i'd definitely spend two hours just looking at stuff. They charge 300 liras per person which is fair considering the quality of the museum.

A very cool place to visit if you are near Izmir - the cars were awesome and in top condition with technical descriptions attached. Also, an original bat-cycle from the 1966 Batman movie!

This was an unexpected experience but well worth it. Hubby was in car heaven in our trip. Will definitely recommend. Is not on ant main place but if you can drive there is worth the time.

We love car museums, visit them everywhere we travel and I can say that this is one of the best. All items are in perfect condition, shiny as new. The variety is superb! There are 120 year old items, rare cars and old supercars. It you are near Izmir and looking for interesting places, this is the one.

It was good and so much fun and is 109 Lira's for 1 ticket it was so good for an 2 family just liked them. I'm recommending this museum

Its a must visit museum if you are a cat lover, the collection focuses on American, European cars and motorcycles, from the late 1800 to some unique 2020s cars. Verities of scaled car models collections. Every thing is well presented, the decorations and atmosphere including the coffee shop of a high luxurious taste I’m an admirer of the owner taste in the museum and hotel God bless him.

Absolutely brilliant and lovely Coffee in the Cafe☕️

Beautiful location. A lot of the structures are intact and well preserved it was difficult to get there without a guide, taxi or tour group, so it can be pricey. The ancient library is a major highlight and they do live reacting of Roman guards. Lots of history. There is a small bathroom and market stand will snacks and food around the midway point of the walk. When we went (end of June) it was 103 degrees F° with no shade. We spent about an hour and a half walking through but needed to leave due to the heat. Would love to walk around more. Important: bring good hiking shoes that grip, the marble floors are polished and slippery. We had hiking boots and sandals and still slipped a few times, but our friends with simple sneakers had to walk very slowly and carefully to avoid falling down.

Visiting the land of Ephesus, the Ancient Greek Theaters and the Ancient Great Library of Celsus is a very special visit. The rain was pleasant and the temperatures cool ondaywevisited. Most visitorsshouldexpecthightemperaturesandverylittlecoolingbreezes. The Library of Celsus is an ancient Roman building in Ephesus, Photos of the library are world reknown. Ephesus is located in Anatolia, near the modern town of Selçuk, in the İzmir Province of western Turkey. It is world famous. It was designed not only to store scrolls and books—holding an estimated 12,000 manuscripts at its peak—but also to serve as a monumental tomb for Celsus, whose sarcophagus lies in a crypt beneath its main floor. Mark Anthony walked here long ago and households thrived and m markets prospered.

*Echoes of the Apostles and Empire* Standing in the Great Theatre of Ephesus is like standing in history itself. With a capacity of over 25,000 seats, this awe-inspiring structure was the largest theatre in ancient Asia Minor and still dominates the site with its grandeur. Built during the Hellenistic period and later expanded by the Romans, it hosted dramas, political events, and gladiator fights. For Christians, this theatre holds profound significance. According to Acts 19, the Apostle Paul’s preaching led many Ephesians to abandon idol worship, especially that of the goddess Artemis. This angered local silversmiths who made shrines for Artemis, causing a riot. The mob dragged Paul's companions into this very theatre, and for two hours the crowd shouted, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" Knowing this brings the stones to life with spiritual history. Unfortunately, during our recent visit, the theatre was under restoration, so we weren’t able to go inside. Still, seeing it from the outside was deeply moving. One unexpected highlight was meeting the famous local cat “Garfield,” who’s become something of a mascot at the theatre. We took so many fun photos with him—it truly made the visit even more memorable. We recommend visiting early morning or late afternoon to avoid the strong sun and crowds. #EphesusTheatre #Acts19 #ApostlePaul #GarfieldTheCat #BiblicalSites #UNESCO #TurkeyTravel #AncientDrama #FaithJourney

Believed to be the largest in the ancient world: could host up to 25,000 seated spectators. Initially used for drama, in Roman times gladiatorial combats were also held on its stage. Elton John performed a special, solo concert at the Great Theater on July 17, 2001.

We stayed in Izmir and drove to it. It was roughly an hour to get to it. Very nice site and well preserved.

A must see. Our guide was very knowledgeable and made it easy to visualize how the residents lived. Very advanced facilities such as water pipes, tolet system etc. Make sure you arrive early. When our tour bus left the cars trying to enter was out of sight.

Nice sunny ☀️ weather, you pay 💰 per person 28.71 euros 💶 if you get the deal. Parking 🅿️ cost 💲 around 3€ There are a small market with lots of options. We did all the walking around in 3 hours but this will definitely depend on you. January is great as there are not many tourists and prices of hotels are cheaper.

While on a cruise that visited Kusadasi, we originally hesitated to book an excursion to Ephesus Ancient City. Boy, are we glad we did! This was the highlight of the day, and it was just an incredible voyage through time. We booked a private excursion and I cannot recommend it more than a group. Our guide was able to squeeze through larger groups and we had an amazing time with Dahan. Everything is impressive in the Ancient City, from it's size to the incredible technology that was used so far back ago. The city is actually in pretty good condition and it's easy to imagine how people lived. The 3D museum brings everything to life after the visit and it's totally worth the stop. We were left in awe throughout our whole visit, if you are unsure about visiting, I suggest you put your doubts aside and go for it, you won't be disappointed

We highly recommend taking a guided tour here, as every detail here is a treasure trove of history. Even the buried pipes, the stone carvings on the pedestrian walkways, and the collapsed arches hold a treasure trove of history. Without a guide's detailed explanation, it would be easy to miss them all! This ancient city is a must-see for any visitor to Turkey, highly recommended.

I would recommend buying tickets in advance, online is the easiest. You should have good comfortable shoes, especially if it rains. Was all the tours, it gets pretty crowded. Like all places, it's best to go early in the morning. The architecture is beautiful and definitely worth it. The library is the best part. We were here in october and there was a lot of mosquitoes. And just like the rest of the area, there were lots of street dogs.

A must see if you are visiting Turkiye. Walking through Ephesus feels like stepping directly into history. The scale of the ruins is jaw-dropping — from the marble streets to the stunning multi-story Library of Celsus, every corner tells a story that’s over 2,000 years old. The Grand Theatre, with a capacity of 25000, is especially impressive; imagining ancient crowds gathered there gives you chills. The site is well-preserved, well-marked with signs, and easy to navigate. Plan to spend at least 2–3 hours, and if possible, go early to avoid heat and crowds. A guided tour (or audio guide) adds so much depth — otherwise you might miss fascinating details like the ancient water system, shops, and homes with beautiful mosaics. Wear comfortable shoes (lots of walking on uneven stones). Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. Don’t miss the Terrace Houses — they’re an extra ticket but absolutely worth it.

Ephesus is impressive, important, and absolutely priceless. Yes, the ticket is on the expensive side, but if the money goes toward preserving this place for future generations, I can understand the cost. The Ephesus Experience Museum was a brilliant addition — not only an immersive way to learn the history, but also a perfect break from the heat thanks to the air conditioning. The Library of Celsus was the highlight for me, but I also really enjoyed the Terrace Houses. The Church of the Virgin Mary was an unexpected surprise, and knowing the background of the Third Ecumenical Council — combined with my own theological background — made visiting it even more special. Overall, Ephesus is a must-see and worth every minute spent exploring.

An amazingy historical site that has been very well preserved. You will see statues, columns, an amphitheater, stones with carvings, etc. Don't forhet to look at the Temple of Artemis, which is just next to the ancient city. This is a must see for any visitor to Türkiye. There are restaurants and vendors at the entrance and plenty of parking. You'll pay a small parking fee, but it isn't much and it helps preserve the site. Truly a winner if the world to this day!

Absolutely mind blowing how amazing it is. The amount of artifacts that are still preserved is incredible. We’re on a Viking Mediterranean Sea Cruise & today we docked in Kusadasi, Turkey & drove to the home of the Virgin Mary then down to the northern gates of Ephesus & walked down to the lower gate. Our tour guide, Tahir, was amazing as well. A day my wife & I won’t forget.

Six luxury Roman residences, featuring mosaics on the floor and frescos on the wall, the oldest one dates to the first century BC. The mosaics are awesome: I suggest a camera with good lenses as you won't be able to come close. Come early as the houses have a separate entrance and line could be long.

These beautiful luxury villas of the past is where the rich Romans used to stay. A lot has been excavated and excavation and restoration continues. You get the see the opulent housing of the past with their elaborate mosaics, and their (for that time) complicated heating and plumbing systems. The views from these villas would have been spectacular - esp when the harbor was right there

I have been skipping this part whenever I visited Ephesus and after seeing it once I definitely recommend it to everyone. The extra price you pay (300 liras on internet, but around 125 for Turkish citizens at ticket office) is well worth it. You will multiple roman houses that belonged to the richest families of the time. It was an amazing experience to see painted walls and mosaics on the ground. You can tell how fancy these houses have been in their time.

The Terrace houses were a series of luxurious residences belonging to the wealthy citizens of Ephesus. The houses are decorated with beautiful frescoes, mosaics and marble floors, It's hard to believe that the Romans were able to handmade such beautiful decorations so many years ago! For sure is a highlight in Ephesus! If you have museum pass, the ticket is included.

Terrace Houses of Ephesus also called as "The Houses of the Rich" are luxury Roman Villas located on a slope opposite the Hadrian Temple. important for the reason give us information about family life during the Roman period. They were built according to the Hippodamian plan of the city in which roads transected each other at the right angles. There are six residential units on three terraces at the lower end of the slope of Bulbul Mountain. The oldest building dates back into 1C BC and continued in use as a residence until 7C AD. Ephesus terrace houses are covered with protective roofing which resembles Roman houses. The mosaics on the floor and the frescos have been consolidated and two houses have been opened to the public as a museum. They had interior courtyards (peristyle) in the center, with the ceiling open. They were mostly two-storied, upper stores have collapsed during time. On the ground floor there were living and dining rooms opening to the hall, and upstairs there were bedrooms and guest rooms. The heating system of the terrace houses were the same as that in baths. Clay pipes beneath the floors and behind the walls carried hot air through the houses. The houses also had cold and hot water. The rooms had no window, only illuminated with light coming from the open hall, so that most of the rooms were dim. The excavations of the terrace houses started in 1960. The restoration of the two of the houses have been finished and can be visited today.

A must visit if in the area. Make sure you purchase the ticket to visit the Terrace Houses exhibit. The price for both Ephesus and the terrace house was 160TL each. We spent a total of 30 minutes looking around and taking lots of pictures. The Terrace house are a small glimpse to the past. There are no toilets inside the site, so you need to go before you entering the park. 3btraveler

One of the best pieces remained from ancient era , preserved like this. Terrace Houses / Yamac Evleri is under a giant umbrella like steel construction. It is priced separately as 35 TL as entrance fee. You really should have to pay this price since it will change your illusion how the daily life in those era. Every detail in a ancient settlement is so living, from souls to mosaics and from bath ceiling to color painted walls. Must visit!!!!

Incredible historical site that you must visit if you stop in Kuşadası. The scale of this outdoor museum has to be seen in person. Knowing that only about half has been excavated makes a future visit even more tempting.

Part of Ephesus Ancient City, this particular ruin is probably the most impressive due to it's size. As you walk down what used to be central street, it already looks amazing but as you get up close and you have the chance to walk inside, you realize the absolute awesomeness of what was built.

This is located at one end of the ruins of city of Ephesus. The front part of the building still stands today. The wall has holes where the manuscripts were stored. You can visit some parts of this building only. It is definitely the highlight of Ephesus.

One of the most memorable experiences I have ever had. Such a beautiful location and historical value is incredible. This was a trade mecca in its day. This is where the Apostle Paul preached and resided during his time.

I am always so impressed with this world reknown sight. We had Ephesus all to ourselves the day we visited. It was a very unique visit in the RAIN. . The Library of Celsus is an ancient Roman building in Ephesus, Anatolia, located near the modern town of Selçuk, in the İzmir Province of western Turkey. It is world famous. It was designed not only to store scrolls and books—holding an estimated 12,000 manuscripts at its peak—but also to serve as a monumental tomb for Celsus, whose sarcophagus lies in a crypt beneath its main floor.

Commissioned in the years 110s CE by a consul of the Roman Empire, Tiberius Julius Aquila Polemaeanus for his father Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, it was completed during the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Celsus is buried in a crypt beneath the library. It was the third-largest library in the Greco-Roman world behind only those of Alexandria and Pergamum. Believed to have held around 12,000 scrolls. The facade was re-erected by archaeologists between 1970 and 1978.

Honestly one of the highlights of our visit. It was fairly busy and really hot but the views made it worth it. The best place to view the details is from underneath the arch next to it.

Beautiful and sacred holy ground. Be prepared to do a lot of walking as most vehicles are not permitted close to the entrance. We enjoyed seeing the home of the Virgin Mary. The wall of intentions was moving and special. We enjoyed walking the grounds and looking at the landscape. Recommend dressing modestly or you will need to wear a covering. Photography is not permitted in the house.

In Meryemana, Turkiye, the Virgin Mary's House is located. Reverant, quiet, with a prayer wall we stood in a contemplative mode, remembering the struggles of Jesus and the prophecy that was to unfold. I thought of the pain Mary and her sisters endured, but still after all these years Mary provides love and forgiveness to all those in need. These prayers and requests were represent at the prayer wall at Mary's House. It was symbolic of the needs from people all over the world. One gentle man touched my heart so, as he went around retrieving prayer notes that had fallen off the wall. He tenderly returned each note from the ground to the wall. A qentle act of kindness. There are no photographs allowed in Mary's House but prayer candles may be purchased there. Worth the visit!

Mary lived in this house after death of Jesus Christ. The house has two small rooms. The environment is very peaceful here. You will need to walk 10 mins to reach the house. Because of queue you may get a few seconds only inside the house. Overall, a must visit place if you are in Izmir.

Is it actually Mary’s house or just a tourist trap? Jury is still out. Is it worth a visit for you to decide for yourself? Yup. They herd you through the house at a gallop so don’t expect to spend much time checking things out inside the house. Basically just a quick walk through of a tiny house. There’s a holy fountain and a wishing wall too. The whole site might take you 20 minutes to get through.

We are overjoyed after visiting this beautiful place. We were fortunate to arrive before closing time, so we had enough time to explore this magical place and appreciate its magnificence. Very peaceful and calm atmosphere.

Very special and sacred. Be prepared for a bit of walking as cars are not permitted close to the entrance. The wall of intentions was special, and the grounds are lovely. Dress modestly or take a covering. Photography is not permitted in the house.

There was about a 30 minute wait to reach the house. As you reach the house there is an open air alter with priests leading mass. You would need to check the schedule if necessary. Our guide shared that only about 12-14% of the house found in the foundation is from an archeological dig. You walk thru 3 rooms that include religious pictures and statue. After you leave the house you come to 3 fountains that have been blessed. There is then a fence where people tie their prayers. At the end of the walkway are restrooms and a museum shop.where you can purchase blessed icons. Right outside the gates and at the entry are shops selling souvenirs, candy and food. To me this seems out of place at a religious place.

(Translated by Google) You are treated as a second class citizen, the toilets are faulty, the food is terrible, the sunbeds are too expensive, the residents look at you with hatred. the sea and the beach alone are very beautiful, if you're going to come here, take your food and your chair. (Original) 2. sınıf vatantaş olarak muamele görüyorsunuz tuvaletler arızalı, yemekler berbat şezlonglar çok pahalı, site sakinleri size nefret dolu bakıyorlar. yanlız denizi ve plajı çok güzel buraya gelecekseniz yemeğinizi ve sandalyenizi alıp gelin.

(Translated by Google) They are the place on the coast with the same name as the region between Didim and Akbük (or maybe not vice versa) :) (Original) Didim ile Akbük arasında kalan bölgede yer alan bölge ismiyle (ya da tam tersi değildir herhalde 😅) aynı adı taşıyan sahil kenarında olan mekandır kendileri :)

Priene is a very good location to visit. Not as developed as some other places, but enough of the ruins remain that you can get a sense of what the town must have been like in ancient times. Much better than Miletos. Very close to the small town of Güllübahçe where there are options to stay or good restaurants.

Priene is located in a very scenic place. Not many visitors, very peaceful and cool due to the trees. Totally worth a visit. Spent about an hour there.

A very beautiful place with an amazing view. Only 20 tl and free to walk around. It is a pretty steep walk but definitely worth it.

Have visited Priene several times. Always an amazing experience. Make sure you wear a hat in summer, it's hot up there.

oh my Zeus, God of Greek People. The place is blessed by nature and Gods.

(Translated by Google) It was one of the most beautiful ancient cities I've ever visited. While the structures typically preserved in ancient cities are common state structures like theaters, bathhouses, temples, libraries, and so on, you can also see the street layout where the people lived. I think this was what impressed me most. It's a fairly large ancient city, and it took us about three hours to tour it (we explore it in some detail, but even a cursory tour would still take a long time). It contains many structures: a theater, bathhouse, church, temple of Athena, stoa, sanctuary of Demeter, gymnasium. When the city was first founded, it was by the sea, but over the years, it has been pushed inland by the silt carried by the Meander River. It's even more beautiful to wander around with this in mind. (Original) Şimdiye kadar gittiğim en güzel antik kentlerden biriydi. Genelde antik kentlerde korunan yapılar tiyatro, hamam, tapınak, kütüphane..vs gibi devlete ait ortak yapılar olurken bu antik kentte halkın yaşadığı sokak düzenini de görmek mümkün. Sanırım en çok etkilendiğim şey bu oldu. Oldukça büyük bir antik kent, gezmemiz yaklaşık 3 saat sürdü (biz biraz detaylı geziyoruz ama yine de üstünkörü gezmek bile uzun sürer.) İçinde birçok yapı var: tiyatro, hamam, kilise, Athena tapınağı, stoa, demeter kutsal alanı, gymnasion.. Kent ilk kuruldugunda deniz kenarındaymış, Menderes nehrinin getirdiği alüvyonlardan dolayı yıllar içinde iç tarafta kalmış. Bunu hayal ederek dolaşmak daha da güzel olabilir :)

(Translated by Google) Gelebeç / Söke / Aydın The Acropolis is the name given to the fortresses built on the hills adjacent to ancient Greek cities. It was one of the 12 cities of Ionia. The Acropolis, which hosted many civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans, is notable for its fluted columns and the sheer size of its summit. It tells us about the lives of a great kingdom, and it excites us as people. Walk carefully. (Original) Gelebeç / Söke /Aydın Antik Yunan kentlerinde kentlerin yanıbaşındaki tepelere inşaa Edilen Hisarlara Verilen Addır Akropolis . İyonyanın 12 kentindenbir tanesidir . Yunan Roma vs gibi bir çok medeniyetlere ev sahipliği yapmış Akropolis Yivli Sütunları Ve Tepedeki Büyüklüğü ile Dikkat çekiyor .Büyük bir krallığın Bizlere Nasıl yaşadıklarını anlatıyor Olması Biz İnsanları Heyacanlandırıyor . Dikkatli gezmeler