Teos Ancient City
Travel Point Overview
Teos Ancient City is located in Sığacık village, just 5 kilometers from Seferihisar in Izmir. Founded around 1050–1000 BCE, according to some historians, its mythical founder is Athamas, son of the god Dionysus.
🏛 Teos Ancient City – Seferihisar / Izmir
📍 Address: Sığacık, Teos Cd. No:151, 35460 Seferihisar / Izmir
🎫 Entrance Fee: €3
🎫 Museum Pass accepted
🕘 Opening Hours:
• Open: 08:30
• Close: 19:00
• Ticket booth closes: 18:30
📅 Open every day
📜 A Legendary Ionian Harbor City
Teos Ancient City is located in Sığacık village, just 5 kilometers from Seferihisar in Izmir. Founded around 1050–1000 BCE, according to some historians, its mythical founder is Athamas, son of the god Dionysus.
One of the 12 important cities of the Ionian League, Teos thrived through maritime trade. It had two harbors – one large and one small – and most of the remaining ruins belong to the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
🏛 The Largest Temple of Dionysus
The most remarkable structure in Teos is the Temple of Dionysus, built by the architect Hermogenes of Priene in the 2nd century BCE. It is the largest temple in Anatolia dedicated to Dionysus. Though frequently repaired during the Roman era, earthquakes caused significant damage over the centuries.
🎭 A City of Culture and Learning
Teos stood out not only for its architecture but also for its contribution to art and education. In the 3rd century BCE, the Ionian Actors’ Guild was established here, making it the first known organization of performers in the ancient world.
Inscriptions reveal that the local gymnasium had three sections—two for athletics and one for music—each with its own teacher.
🏺 Other Structures You Can Visit
Explore the remains of:
• The ancient theatre (with 8,000–10,000 seats)
• The agora, odeon, and acropolis
• City walls, council hall, gymnasium, and temples
• The harbor structures that once supported a bustling maritime trade
🧱 Excavations and Conservation
The first archaeological investigations at Teos began in the 1760s. Since 2010, Ankara University has led renewed excavations, documentation, and conservation efforts. Many of the artifacts found here are now on display at the Izmir Archaeological Museum.
📱 Use the Advisormapp mobile app for directions, audio guides, and to explore other ancient cities nearby. Discover everything you need for your trip directly from your phone!
🌐 More info: www.advisormapp.com
If you're looking for a peaceful historical experience along the Aegean coast, Teos Ancient City is a must-see destination rich in history, architecture, and mythology. Don’t miss it!
