Turkey is a country that's bursting with history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether exploring ancient ruins, noshing on delicious Turkish dishes, or basking in the sun, Turkey has something for everyone. Turkey is full of ancient ruins holding historical and cultural significance to date. The unique heritage of Turkey is well-maintained; get a Turkey visa online to experience the enchanting world that bridges the past and the present.
With over 16 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Turkey has everything from the Mediterranean coastline to ancient cities to stunning mountains. The country is buzzing with its exciting nightlife, authentic cuisine, bustling markets, watersports, relaxing beaches, and the beauty of rich art and culture. This enchanting country is like stepping into an entirely different magical world. With a Visa for Istanbul, you can explore this magnificent country, home to ancient ruins and museums.
Here is our list of the top 6 ancient ruins and museums you should explore. Recharge your cell phones for the many picture-perfect moments awaiting at these iconic attractions.
Top 6 Ancient Ruins and Museums Every Art, Architecture, or History Buff Should Visit:
1. Goreme Open Air Museum
Located in Cappadocia, this is a set of monasteries and churches carved into a rock as old as the 10th century. These finest rock churches are carved with beautiful frescoes(rock paintings). Witness the 11th-century Chapel of St. Basil, Chapel of St Barbara, Snake Church, Sandal Church, and many other fascinating sites depicting early life. You can find many examples of Byzantine art and architecture here. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, it has chimney-like structures, locally known as fairy chimneys. You can check out the Karanlik Kisile Church, Lovers Point, and Red Valley in the area. Audio tour guides are available.
With a Turkey visa, you can enjoy Hot Air Ballooning, which takes off from Goreme village. The best time to enjoy this activity is early May and late September. Keep water and snacks handy due to the lack of eateries nearby.
- Location: 50180 Göreme/Nevehir Merkez/Nevehir, Turkey
- Timings: 8 AM-5 PM
- Entrance fee: 300 Turkish Liras
- Facilities: Parking, guided tours
2. Aphrodisias
Located in Aphrodite, this city was built and named by the Greeks. Later, Romans adopted this city as a sacred place of love. The carvings and inscriptions paint the everyday lives of its ancient inhabitants. With a Turkey Tourist visa, you can explore the largest old stadium in the world, 270 meters long. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017.
One of its main sites is its theatre, which can host over 7,000 guests. Unfortunately, the present ruins can only provide a glimpse of their magnificent grandeur, which is. You can explore the Aphrodisias Museum, which boasts a vast collection of sculptures, relics, and artifacts. All these offer a glimpse into the city's glorious history and culture.
- Location: Geyre, Aydin Province, Turkey
- Timings: 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM
- Entrance Fee: 15 Turkish Liras
- Facilities: Guided tours
3. Gobekli Tepe
It comprises some of the world's oldest megaliths, from 10,000 years. Göbekli Tepe is an archaeological site located in southeastern Turkey, near the city of Urfa. It is an ancient temple complex that dates back to the Neolithic period, making it one of the oldest known man-made structures in the world. If you are traveling to Turkey, this unique attraction is a must-visit, as it is believed to be the world's oldest temple.
It was built around 9,000 BCE, predating the invention of agriculture and settled communities. The site consists of several circular stone enclosures, or "tepe," with massive T-shaped pillars intricately carved with elaborate reliefs of animals and symbols. These pillars, some weighing up to 50 tons, were transported and erected by prehistoric people using primitive tools and techniques. Believed to be constructed by hunter-gatherers, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 2018 to preserve this one of the first examples of man-made monumental architecture. Visit this historical site using an Istanbul visa now to uncover many mysteries.
- Location: Örencik, 63290 Haliliye/anlurfa, Turkey
- Timings: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Entrance Fee: 200 Turkish Liras
- Facilities: Guided tours
4. Aspendos
Built by Marcus Aurelius, this ancient city with an amphitheater is 40 km from Antalya. The structure shows the peak rise of engineering discoveries, including the amphitheater, the Acropolis of Aspendos, aqueducts, agora, etc., during the Roman Empire. Imagine a theater holding 15,000 audiences in the past where the sound is not lost. Due to its brilliant acoustics, many concerts, events, and operas, like the annual Aspendos Opera, Antalya Film Festival, and Ballet Film Festival, are celebrated here, even today. The history of celebration dates back to 1959, when the first theater festival in Turkey was held here.
This is one of the best places to visit in Turkey, with various ruins offering a glimpse into the city's 2000-year-old life. The best time to visit this place is between March to June. It is best to come in June-July when the festivals and events are celebrated, to experience the country's vibrant history and culture.
- Location: Serik, Antalya province, Turkey
- Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Entrance fee: 60 Turkish Liras or Museum Pass; kids under 6 have free entrance.
- Facilities: Parking, restrooms, food & drinks
Read More: Top Turkey's Hidden Gems
5. Pamukkale (Hierapolis)
Do you know that this beautiful place to visit in Istanbul has a gate to hell and heaven?
The city literally means cotton castle in Turkish. Straight out of a fairytale, this peaceful scenery is full of white limestone shaped by calcium-rich hot springs. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, this beautiful ruin is 20 km from Denizli. As you visit, you will see the Roman city baths dating back to the 2nd century AD. This attraction of Turkey has various things, from theatre, hall, and sculptures to gym and on-site museums, Temple of Apollo, and church, displaying the everyday lives of its past inhabitants.
Due to its hot springs, the city was established as a thermal spa city. King Eumenes II of Pergamon founded the city of Hierapolis, which was later taken over by Rome in 133 BC. The site had religious significance for the Byzantines. Other attractions include the Necropolis, Domitian Gate, Pluto's Gate, Frontinus Gate, Nymphaeum, and Hierapolis Archaeological Museum. A Turkey e-visa lets you immerse yourself in the fascinating stories of the past. Relax with a calming and healing swim in Cleopatra's Antique Pool while the sky turns colorful with hot air balloons.
- Location: 20280 Pamukkale/Denizli, Turkey
- Timings: 8 AM- 9 PM
- Entrance fee: 400 Turkish Liras
- Facilities: Guided tours
6. Van Castle
This attraction is one of the best places to visit in Turkey due to its rich history. This Iron Age Castle was built in the 9th century BC and was the Urartu kingdom's headquarters. Following the Urartu civilization, many civilizations lived, like Medes, Persians, Romans, Parthians, Sassanids, Arabs, Byzantines, Armenians, and Seljuks, to which the castle bears witness.
The Van Museum, one of the country's most prominent archaeological museums, opened to the public recently. The museum throws light into the Urartian castles, temples, architecture, art, weaponry, clothes, cuisines, and more. The numerous carvings and inscriptions remain the highlights of this Turkey tourist attraction.
As part of its ongoing programming, the museum also holds concerts, seminars, and talks that enhance understanding of and respect for Van's history and culture. While exploring, add Van Cat House, Kapikoy Bazaar, and Muradiye Waterfall to your travel itinerary.
- Location: Yalı, 65040 Merkez/İpekyolu/Van, Türkiye
- Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM, Sun-Mon
- Entrance fee: 20 Turkish Liras
- Facilities: Guided tours
Conclusion:
Turkey is an incredible destination for tourists seeking a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With countless ancient sites and modern attractions, visitors can quickly fill their itineraries with unforgettable experiences. So, apply for a Turkey visa online and prepare for an adventure you'll never forget!
