Historic & Cultural in Aydın: Top Places

Priene was an ancient Greek city of Ionia located at the base of an escarpment of Mycale, about 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) north of what was then the course of the Maeander River. It was 67 kilometres (42 mi) from ancient Anthea, 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from ancient Aneon and 25 kilometres (16 mi) from ancient Miletus. The city was built on the sea coast, overlooking the former Latmian Gulf of the Aegean. It was developed on steep slopes and terraces extending from sea level to a height of 380 metres (1,250 ft) above sea level at the top of the escarpment. Because of siltation from the river filling the bay over several centuries, the city is now an inland site. It is located at a short distance west of the modern village Güllübahçe Turun in the Söke district of Aydın Province, Turkey.

Historic & Cultural

Amyzon in Caria was an ancient city 30 km south of modern Koçarlı.

Historic & Cultural

Labraunda is an ancient archaeological site five kilometers west of Ortaköy, Muğla Province, Turkey, in the mountains near the coast of Caria. In ancient times, it was held sacred by Carians and Mysians alike. The site amid its sacred plane trees was enriched in the Hellenistic style by the Hecatomnid dynasty of Mausolus, satrap of Persian Caria, and also later by his successor and brother Idrieus; Labranda was the dynasty's ancestral sacred shrine.

Historic & Cultural

Historic & Cultural

Historic & Cultural

The Greek theater of Alabanda, located in the ancient city of Alabanda in Çine district of Aydın, was built on the side of a hill to the north of the city. It was constructed during the Hellenistic period and was used with modifications during the Roman and Byzantine eras. The theater is one of the most prominent structures of the ancient city of Alabanda and largely remains underground. It is within 271 meters walking distance of Alabanda Ancient City.

Alinda was an inland city and bishopric in ancient Caria, in Asia Minor (Anatolia). Modern scholars identify Alinda with the Hellenistic foundation of Alexandria ad Latmum noted by Stephanus of Byzantium.

Alabanda or Antiochia of the Chrysaorians was a city of ancient Caria, Anatolia, the site of which is near Doğanyurt, Çine, Aydın Province, Turkey. The city is located in the saddle between two heights. The area is noted for its dark marble and for gemstones that resemble garnets.

Historic & Cultural

The Commercial Market, also known as Tetragonos Agora, was the commercial hub of the ancient city of Ephesus, built during the Hellenistic period and expanded in the Roman era. This square marketplace was surrounded by columns, each side measuring 110 meters, and featured shops and rooms used for political meetings and court proceedings. It is within walking distance of Ephesus (341 m), Celsus Library (22 m), and the Church of Mary (685 m).

Varius Hamamı is a historic Roman-era bathhouse located in Selçuk, Aydın. Constructed in the 2nd century A.D., it features a 40-meter-long corridor with mosaics dating to the 5th century. The structure includes a frigidarium (cold section), tepidarium (warm section), and caldarium (hot section). It is within walking distance of significant sites such as Ephesus, the Library of Celsus, and the Temple of Hadrian.

Yamaç Ev 2, located in Selçuk, Aydın, is part of the Terrace Houses area, which consists of seven luxurious homes where wealthy Roman families of the ancient city of Ephesus resided. Covering an area of approximately 4,000 square meters, this historic site features six distinct living units built on three terraces. The houses are notable for their mosaic floors, fresco-decorated walls, and underfloor heating systems. Yamaç Ev 2 is within walking distance of the Celsus Library (67 m), Ephesus (407 m), and the Church of Mary (762 m).

Historic & Cultural

Olympieion is an ancient historic site located in Selçuk, Aydın. It is within walking distance of Ephesus (456 m), the Celsus Library (797 m), and the Church of Mary (148 m). The region was a center of pagan worship in the polytheistic world of antiquity, featuring structures like the Temple of Artemis.

The East Gymnasium in Selçuk, Aydın, is a historic bath-gymnasium complex built around the 2nd century AD by the sophist Flavius Damianus. This structure featured large bathing halls surrounded by vaulted halls for physical exercise, games, and strolling after bathing. It is located within walking distance of Hadrian Tapınağı (772 m), Prytaneion (519 m), and Domitian Tapınağı (624 m).

The Stadium in Selçuk, Aydın, is a significant structure of the ancient city of Ephesus. Believed to have been built during the reign of Emperor Nero (54-68 AD), this historic site hosted various events such as athletic competitions, chariot races, and gladiatorial contests. With a capacity of approximately 30,000 people, the stadium is within walking distance of Ephesus (662 m), the Church of Mary (745 m), and the Cave of the Seven Sleepers (614 m).

Yamaç Ev 1 is a historic site located within the ancient city of Ephesus in Selçuk, Aydın. These houses, built on terraces on the northern slope of Bülbül Mountain, were used by wealthy Ephesians during the Roman Empire period. Not many remains are visible at Yamaç Ev 1 today, but the Terrace Houses in general offer significant insights into the Roman way of life. It is within walking distance of Ephesus (456 m), the Celsus Library (136 m), and the Temple of Hadrian (31 m).

Historic & Cultural

Serapeion, located in Selçuk, Aydın, is a historic site built in the 2nd century AD by Egyptian merchants. It is considered one of the best-preserved and largest temples in Anatolia. Serapeion is within walking distance of Ephesus (395 m), the Celsus Library (179 m), and the Church of Mary (641 m).

Historic & Cultural

Vedius Gymnasium is a historic site located in Selçuk, Aydın. It was built between 147 and 149 CE by a wealthy Ephesian, Claudius Publius Vedius Antoninus Phaedrus Sabinianus, and his wife, Flavia Papiane. The structure served as both a gymnasium and baths, dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite and the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius. It is situated near the stadium on the northeastern side of the ancient city of Ephesus. It is within walking distance of Ephesus (690 m), the Church of Mary (607 m), and the Theater (797 m).