10 must-see ancient sites in Türkiye

Türkiye’s ancient sites are often found in idyllic locations, where the deep and diverse natural beauty of the region complements the richness of its past. The country’s history is boundless, with ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman legacies visible in monuments and ruins throughout the nation. Numerous other civilisations and empires have also left their imprint. The result is a landscape layered with stories from thousands of years of human history.

1. Göbeklitepe

The discovery of Göbeklitepe rocked the world of archaeology when it was unearthed in Türkiye’s southeastern province of Şanlıurfa in the 1990s. Dating back to around 9600 BCE, this Neolithic temple is thought to be the oldest of its kind in the world. Göbeklitepe suggests that organised religion and cooperation came before agriculture and permanent settlements, overturning the belief that farming was the starting point of civilisation. The picturesque old city of Şanlıurfa is also worth exploring in its own right.

How to get there: Göbeklitepe is a 20-minute drive from Şanlıurfa. There are daily flights from Istanbul to Şanlıurfa.

2. Mount Nemrut

Situated in the province of Adıyaman, in southeastern Türkiye, towering Mount Nemrut pierces the sky at more than 2,134 metres and is home to an important ancient site. Nestled into the mountain is the masterwork of King Antiochus, who built a series of formidable statues during his reign over the area in the first century BCE. Many remain in a remarkable state of preservation given the two millennia that have since passed. These include impressive busts of the king himself, as well as statues of various Greek gods and goddesses, stoic eagles and regal lions.

How to get there: Mount Nemrut is a 90-minute drive from the city of Adıyaman. Direct flights to Adıyaman Airport depart from Istanbul daily.

3. Ephesus

Tracing its history back to the 10th century BCE, the sprawling ancient city of Ephesus is one of Türkiye’s most visited sites for a reason. It’s easy to spend a full day exploring the colossal Roman-era theatre and the opulent Greek temples. Ephesus also holds a special place in the early history of Christianity — it’s prominently mentioned in the Book of Revelation, was the home of Saint Paul for three years during the first century and is the site of a large early church, the Basilica of Saint John.

How to get there: Reach Ephesus with a flight from Istanbul to the city of İzmir on Türkiye’s Aegean coast, which takes less than an hour. Then take the İzban train from the airport to the nearby town of Selçuk.

4. Göreme Open Air Museum

The region of Cappadocia in the centre of Türkiye is one of the most popular and scenic parts of the country, largely owing to the iconic ‘fairy chimney’ rock formations that dot the landscape. One of many places in Türkiye largely synonymous with early Christianity, the area is expansive and features an array of churches dating as far back as the fourth century. Located near the town of Göreme, where many visitors choose to stay, the Göreme Open Air Museum has ancient churches that were chiselled from the volcanic rock throughout the Byzantine period; many feature vivid frescoes that are remarkably well preserved.

How to get there: The Cappadocia region is easily accessed via daily flights from Istanbul to Kayseri Erkilet Airport or Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport.

5. Basilica Cistern

Some of Türkiye most fascinating ancient remains can be found in the heart of Istanbul. The country’s largest city and former imperial capital is home to rich Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman legacies that reveal themselves at almost every turn. The sixth-century Basilica Cistern is perhaps the city’s most alluring underground site, famous for its collection of columns and its upside-down Medusa statue, the origin of which remains a mystery to this day. Recently restored, the reservoir has been fitted with an enticing lighting system, an eerie soundtrack and rotating art exhibitions that intertwine harmoniously with this subterranean relic.

How to get there: Take the Metro from Istanbul Airport into the city centre, then transfer to the T1 tramway. The Basilica Cistern is just steps away from the Sultanahmet tram station.

6. Pamukkale

Turkish for ‘cotton castle’, Pamukkale lives up to its name. A layered series of sky-blue natural hot spring pools is sheltered within massive, sparkling ridges of travertine stone, making for an otherworldly atmosphere. Just above this surreal geological wonderland lies Hierapolis, the ruins of an ancient Greek city built in the second century. Here, you can explore the striking gates, temples and spectacular Roman-era theatre.

How to get there: Pamukkale is a 30-minute drive from the city of Denizli, the airport of which is served by direct daily flights from Istanbul.

7. Ani

The ruins of this ancient Armenian city are spread across a plateau that glistens with snow in winter, making December a perfect time to visit. Located on the border between Türkiye and Armenia, Ani is among the country’s most mystical and breathtaking sights. Over 1,000 years ago, it was the capital of the Bagratid Kingdom of Armenia, with a population of 100,000; today, remnants of churches, cathedrals and city walls remain in substantial sections.

How to get there: Ani is a 30-minute drive from the city of Kars. There are daily flights here from Istanbul; alternatively, take the Eastern Express train, which makes the 32-hour journey from Ankara daily.

8. Sumela Monastery

Trabzon’s Sumela Monastery is a fourth-century masterpiece that’s among the most awe-inspiring ancient sites in the country. Built into a steep cliff face in the lush, green Pontic Mountains of northern Anatolia, the former Greek Orthodox monastery has functioned as a place of worship for centuries. Today, the restored site is open to the public as a museum.

How to get there: Sumela is a 45-minute drive from the city of Trabzon, which has an airport served by direct flights from Istanbul.

9. Akdamar Island

This tiny islet sits in the middle of the biggest body of fresh water in Türkiye, Lake Van. Located in the far eastern part of the country, the lake is so vast it feels almost like a sea. Akdamar Island thrums with a population of grey rabbits and is home to a striking Armenian cathedral, which was built in 921 and recently restored. The trip to the island across the serene blue waters of the lake showcases the rugged beauty of this remote part of Türkiye.

How to get there: Lake Van and Akdamar Island are just a short drive from the city of Van, the airport of which is served via daily flights from Istanbul.

10. Old City Walls of Istanbul

Built mainly by Emperor Theodosius in the fifth century, the austere Walls of Constantinople are one of the most important defensive structures in history. They stood uncompromised for nearly a millennium, until Mehmed the Conqueror and his Ottoman army bombarded the multi-layered structures with cannonballs for months, ultimately knocking enough down to storm and conquer Constantinople in 1453. Extensive sections still stand 1,500 years later, and other parts have been restored in recent years, still forming a near-continuous ring around the old city of Istanbul. They remain an underrated site in spite of their immense historical significance.

How to get there: The Old City Walls are best accessed via the Marmaray suburban train via the Kazlıçeşme stop.