Turkey Ancient City Tours at Night

1) Ephesus Ancient City

The ancient city of Ephesus, located near Selçuk in the province of Izmir, is one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites. A former cultural and religious capital of the ancient world, it blends Greek artistry, Roman power and deep mythological roots. Under Roman rule (1st–2nd centuries CE), Ephesus flourished as the capital of Roman Asia Minor.
Located near the Aegean coast, Ephesus became a powerful port city, linking East and West through trade.

Major Structures

Library of Celsus: One of the greatest ancient libraries.
Theater of Ephesus: Held 25,000 spectators.
Terrace Houses, agora, baths, and the grand Marble Street.
Temple of Artemis: One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Mythological Significance

The Temple of Artemis (Artemision):
Dedicated to Artemis, goddess of the hunt, moon, and fertility.
The cult of Artemis at Ephesus blended the Greek goddess with older Anatolian mother goddess worship.
The colossal temple, rebuilt multiple times, was a center of pilgrimage and worship across the ancient Mediterranean.

Founding Myth

According to legend, Androklos, son of King Codrus of Athens, founded Ephesus guided by an oracle who told him to settle where a fish and a boar would show the way. A flaming fish startled a boar, leading to its chase and the founding of the city where the animal was slain.

Christian Connections

St. Paul lived and preached in Ephesus; his letters to the Ephesians form part of the New Testament. The Virgin Mary is believed by many to have spent her final years nearby, and St. John the Apostle is said to be buried in Ephesus.

Interesting Facts:

1) The Great Fire: The Temple of Artemis was burned down in 356 BCE by Herostratus, who wanted to become famous by destroying something important.
2) Trade and culture: As a cosmopolitan hub, Ephesus was home to Greeks, Romans, Jews and early Christians.
3) UNESCO World Heritage Site: Recognised for its extraordinary preservation and cultural importance.

2) Hierapolis Ancient City

Hierapolis Ancient City is a captivating blend of history, mythology, and natural beauty. Located near modern-day Pamukkale in southwestern Turkey, it was once a thriving Greco-Roman city renowned for its thermal springs, spiritual significance, and spectacular architecture.

Around 2nd century BCE by the Attalid kings of Pergamon, later became part of the Roman Empire. “Hierapolis” means “Holy City,” likely due to its numerous temples and religious function. Famous for thermal baths & healing; The hot springs were believed to have healing powers, making it a center for health and wellness.
Monuments: Roman theater, Temple of Apollo, necropolis (one of the largest in Turkey), and Ploutonion (a religious cave dedicated to Pluto).

Mythological Significance

Ploutonion (Pluto’s Gate): This cave emitted toxic gases and was thought to be an entrance to the Underworld. Ancient writers like Strabo documented its deadly vapors. Priests of Cybele would demonstrate divine favor by surviving short exposures to the gas, thought to be a miraculous act.

Dedicated to Pluto, god of the underworld, it played a central role in local mythology and cult practices.

Apollo: The city’s main temple was dedicated to Apollo, the sun god, associated with prophecy, healing, and music. Apollo was believed to protect the city and its sacred springs.

Interesting Facts

1) Hierapolis was a cosmopolitan city with a mix of Greek, Roman, Jewish, and early Christian influences.

2) The Apostle Philip is said to have been martyred here, and a martyrium was built in his honor.

3) Earthquakes repeatedly damaged the city, but it remained important through Byzantine times.

3) Aspendos Ancient City

Aspendos Ancient City is one of the most well-preserved and iconic ancient cities of Turkey, located near Serik in Antalya Province. It is especially renowned for its spectacular Roman theater, which remains a stunning symbol of Roman engineering and cultural life.
Around 1,000 BCE by Greeks from Argos, although there is evidence of earlier Hittite settlement. Under Roman rule in the 2nd century CE, Aspendos became a prosperous trade and cultural hub due to its position near the Eurymedon River and its fertile plains.
Notable Structures:
Aspendos Theater: Built by architect Zenon under Emperor Marcus Aurelius (161–180 CE), it could seat up to 15,000–20,000 people and is still used today for concerts and performances.

Aqueducts, agora, stadium, basilica, and acropolis also remain as testaments to its former grandeur.

Mythological and Legendary Stories

The Theater Contest Legend; one of the most famous legends of Aspendos is linked to the theater’s construction.

The king of Aspendos wanted to marry his daughter to the man who gave the most beneficial gift to the city. Two contenders stood out:

1. One built a spectacular aqueduct that brought water from miles away.

2. The other (Zenon) built the magnificent theater with such perfect acoustics that even a whisper on stage could be heard at the top rows.

During the demonstration, Zenon whispered, “The king’s daughter should be mine,” which the king heard clearly from afar. Impressed by both the theater and the ingenuity, the king gave half his kingdom to the aqueduct builder and his daughter to Zenon.

Mythological Echoes: While Aspendos does not have specific deities exclusive to it, the presence of Roman temples and altars suggests worship of Zeus, Dionysus, Apollo, and Artemis—reflecting its connection to wider Greco-Roman religious practices.

Interesting Facts

1) Aspendos was a minting city; its silver coins were widely circulated in the region.

2) Its acoustics and architectural perfection in the theater have inspired modern engineers and remain a tourism highlight.

3) Still hosts Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival annually.

4) Patara Ancient City

Patara Ancient City, located near modern-day Gelemiş village in Antalya Province, is one of the most historically and mythologically rich cities in ancient Lycia. Once a thriving port city and cultural center, Patara was revered in antiquity for its oracle of Apollo, monumental architecture, and political importance.
Dates back to at least the 8th century BCE, with connections to both Lycian and Greek civilizations. Patara was the chief port of Lycia, providing access to Mediterranean trade and military routes.

Served as the capital of the Lycian League, the first known democratic union. It hosted the League’s assembly and had one of the largest bouleuterions (parliament buildings) in the ancient world.
Became part of Roman Asia Minor. Restored and flourished during the 2nd century CE, with extensive urban development including a theater, lighthouse, bath complexes, granary, and triumphal arch.

Mythological Significance

Apollo’s Oracle at Patara: Patara was one of the most important oracular centers of Apollo in the ancient world, second only to Delphi. Mythology tells that Apollo spent winter months in Patara and summer in Delphi. The oracle was housed in a sacred temple where priestesses would deliver prophecies, similar to the Pythia in Delphi. Visitors, including rulers and generals, came seeking divine insight before major decisions.

Birthplace of Legends:

According to some traditions, Apollo was born in Delos, but chose Patara as his spiritual home. It is also known as the birthplace of Saint Nicholas (later known as Santa Claus), who was born in Patara in the 3rd century CE.

Interesting Facts

1) The Lighthouse of Patara is the oldest known lighthouse in the world, dating to around 60 CE under Emperor Nero.

2) The city was gradually buried by sand over centuries, which helped preserve many structures.

3) Patara is closely tied to early Christianity, appearing in the New Testament as a port visited by Saint Paul.

4) Excavations continue to reveal new structures, including streets, baths, churches, and homes.