As a frequent traveler, I cherish my Global Entry status.
21.01.2025 - 22:39 / lonelyplanet.com
Jan 21, 2025 • 7 min read
From ancient Greek and Roman cities to Neolithic settlements and worship sites, Türkiye is full of dazzling remnants of the far-distant past, representing civilizations both storied and little-known. The country's coastlines, forests and mountains are so rich in history that no “best of” list could fully capture every special place but each of these dozen sites scattered around the country is a real standout.
Greco-Roman glory
Deservedly one of the top attractions in all of Türkiye, the extensive and well-preserved ruins of Ephesus retain the grandeur of the ancient city’s glory days, with its 25,000-seat theater, extravagantly decorated terraced houses, marble streets and the towering, statue-adorned remains of what was once the third-largest library in the world.
How to get there: Ephesus is 60km (37 miles) south of İzmir airport and 20km (12.4 miles) northeast of Kuşadası. A handful of daily trains run from İzmir airport to Selçuk, about 3.5km (2.2 miles) from Ephesus. The İzban (local light rail) runs more frequently, but you’ll have to transfer in Tepeköy to get to Selçuk. It’s a five-minute walk from Selçuk’s train station to its bus station, where you can catch a minibus to the lower gate of the ancient city. Minibuses to Ephesus also run regularly from Kuşadası, departing from a stop near the corner of Adnan Menderes Bulvarı and Candan Tarhan Bulvarı on the edge of the city center.
A lofty acropolis
With its hilltop acropolis and theater dramatically built into the steep slopes overlooking the modern city of Bergama, Pergamon was known in ancient times for its healing center, awe-inspiring temples and monumental altar. The latter’s friezes were taken away to Germany in the late 19th century and are now installed at Berlin’s Pergamonmuseum.
How to get there: Pergamon is 130km (80.7 miles) north of İzmir airport. To reach it by public transport, take city bus number 204 from the airport to İzmir’s bus station, where various private companies operate services to Bergama. A cable car (teleferik) runs from the northeast edge of Bergama city center up to Pergamon’s acropolis.
The roots of religion
Dating all the way back to nearly 10,000 BCE, the massive stone pillars at Göbeklitepe, many carved with animal figures, are believed to mark the world’s first place of worship. The site’s discovery in 1994 revolutionized ideas of how human civilization developed; subsequent excavations in the area have revealed a whole group of similar Neolithic sites, including nearby Karahan Tepe.
How to get there: Göbeklitepe is 40km (25 miles) south of Şanlıurfa’s airport and 20km (12.4 miles) northeast of its city center, with hourly public buses departing from the Archaeological Museum.
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As a frequent traveler, I cherish my Global Entry status.
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