Aphrodisias Ancient City
Travel Point Overview
Located in the Geyre neighborhood of Karacasu district, Aydın Province, Aphrodisias Ancient City is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the Mediterranean world.
🏛️ Aphrodisias Ancient City – Where Marble, Art, and the Goddess Intertwine
Located in the Geyre neighborhood of Karacasu district, Aydın Province, Aphrodisias Ancient City is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the Mediterranean world. Famous for its well-preserved marble architecture, sculpture school, and the cult of Aphrodite, the city was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2017, along with the nearby marble quarries that fueled its artistry.
🏺 A Journey from Village to Roman Glory
The roots of Aphrodisias stretch back to the mid-5th millennium BC.
🌿 In the 6th century BC, it existed as a small village, but by the 2nd century BC, during a period of rapid urbanization in the Meander Valley, it had grown into a city-state (polis).
🏛️ In the 1st century BC, Aphrodisias developed strong ties with Rome, particularly with Octavian, who would later become Emperor Augustus. He famously declared:
“From all of Asia, I have chosen this city for myself.”
In 39 BC, the Roman Senate granted Aphrodisias tax exemptions and autonomous status, marking the beginning of a golden age for the city.
🏗️ Architecture & Sculpture – The Marble Legacy
What sets Aphrodisias apart is its proximity to high-quality marble quarries, located just a few kilometers to the northeast in the foothills of Babadağ.
🎨 This access to fine marble made Aphrodisias a renowned center for sculpture between the 1st and 5th centuries AD. Sculptors trained here left their mark across the Roman Empire, and today, their creations still shine in museums worldwide.
🪨 The city’s monumental buildings, reliefs, and inscriptions—largely carved in marble—are exceptionally well preserved and provide deep insight into Roman-era urban life and art.
🏛️ The Cult of Aphrodite
Named after Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodisias was also a spiritual center.
⛪ The Temple of Aphrodite, located at the heart of the city, was more than a religious site—it shaped the city’s identity and prestige.
🌀 The unique Aphrodite cult developed here spread its influence across the wider Mediterranean region, both religiously and culturally.
📍 Visitor Information
📌 Address: Kenan Erim Street No:4, Geyre, Karacasu / Aydın, Türkiye
🕒 Opening Hours:
- Opening: 08:30
- Closing: 20:30
- Last Ticket Sale: 20:00
📅 Open every day
🎫 Admission Fee: €12
💳 Museum Pass (MüzeKart) accepted
🎯 Why Visit Aphrodisias?
✅ See some of the finest marble architecture and sculpture from the Roman era
✅ Walk through one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Anatolia
✅ Experience the spiritual atmosphere of Aphrodite’s sanctuary
✅ Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in history, art, and archaeology
✅ A must-see for lovers of ancient culture, art history, and Greco-Roman civilization
✨ Final Thoughts
Aphrodisias Ancient City is a breathtaking site where art, architecture, religion, and history unite in stone.
Whether you are a traveler, historian, or culture enthusiast, this marble city of the goddess offers a timeless experience nestled in the heart of Turkey.
