Aphrodisias Ancient City

Where History and Culture Meet

Aphrodisias, located in the Aydin province of Turkey, is an ancient city that maintained its importance from the 5th century BC to the 6th century AD. Dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, the city was famous for its sculpture school and marble workmanship. As one of the most important cities of the Caria region in antiquity, Aphrodisias became a center of the art of sculpture thanks to the nearby marble quarries.

Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2017, Aphrodisias fascinates its visitors with its magnificently preserved structures, vast stadium, and impressive Temple of Aphrodite. The city experienced its golden age during the Roman Imperial Period and became one of the most important cultural, artistic, and educational centers of the era.

One of the most remarkable features of Aphrodisias is that it hosted one of the most prestigious sculpture schools of the ancient world. The works produced in this school were exported to all corners of the Roman Empire, and the city's fame spread throughout the Mediterranean world. The sculptures exhibited today in the Aphrodisias Museum are the most important witnesses of this glorious past.

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours

Summer (April 1 - October 31): 08:00 - 19:00

Winter (November 1 - March 31): 08:00 - 17:00

Entrance Fees

Adult: 120 TRY

Free with Museum Pass

Featured Structures

Discover the most impressive structures of Aphrodisias and get to know the fascinating architecture of this ancient city up close.

Stadium

With a capacity of 30,000 people, it is one of the largest and best-preserved stadiums of the ancient world. Built in the 1st century BC, the stadium is an engineering marvel of its time with a length of 262 meters and a width of 59 meters.

Reflects the comfort concept of the ancient period with 30 rows of seating and marble seats

It was used for gladiator fights, athletic competitions, and religious festivals

The vaulted passages at the east and west entrances have preserved their original form

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Tetrapylon

Built in the 2nd century AD, the Tetrapylon is a magnificent gateway at the beginning of the sacred road leading to the Temple of Aphrodite. This monumental four-sided structure is one of the finest examples of the city's architectural mastery.

16 Corinthian columns and architectural details adorned with rich reliefs

Restored in the 1990s to its original appearance

The reliefs on the structure depict mythological scenes and figures of gods

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Bouleuterion

Built in the 2nd century AD, the Bouleuterion, with a capacity of about 1,700 people, was a multi-purpose building where city council meetings, musical performances, and philosophical discussions were held.

Semi-circular form with stepped seating and a design with excellent acoustics

The stage building was two stories high, decorated with rich marble ornaments and statues

The courtyard in front of the building was used as a preparation area before important meetings

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Sebasteion

Built in the 1st century AD, the Sebasteion is an impressive temple complex dedicated to the Roman emperors, with three stories and a length of 80 meters. The structure is famous for its unique reliefs depicting the power of the Roman Empire and mythological stories.

Presents the most comprehensive visual narrative of Roman history with over 200 relief panels

Complex architecture consisting of two parallel porticoes and a temple structure

The reliefs depict the imperial family, gods, and mythological heroes

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Temple of Aphrodite

Built in the 3rd century BC and giving the city its name, the Temple of Aphrodite was one of the most important cult centers of the ancient world. The temple was expanded during the Roman period and turned into a magnificent complex.

A peripteral temple with 8x13 columns, featuring 14-meter-high Corinthian columns

The cult statue of the goddess Aphrodite was located in the cella of the temple

The sanctuary was surrounded by altars, treasury buildings, and structures for priests

It was converted into a church in the 5th century AD but has largely retained its original architectural features

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Interactive Map

Explore the key structures on the map of Aphrodisias Ancient City and plan your visit.