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Aphrodisias

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Aphrodisias (Turkey)

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Aphrodisias was an ancient city in the Caria region of southwestern Turkey, named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. Situated on a fertile plateau near high-quality marble quarries, the city became a world-renowned center for marble sculpture. From the 1st century BC to the 6th century AD, local workshops produced masterful statues and reliefs that were highly prized across the Roman Empire. One of its most iconic structures is the Tetrapylon, a magnificent monumental gate from the 2nd century AD that greeted pilgrims approaching the Temple of Aphrodite. The stadium of Aphrodisias is remarkably well-preserved, boasting a capacity of 30,000 spectators and ranking as one of the finest surviving examples of Roman engineering. Today, Aphrodisias is a UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrated for its exquisite marble architecture and the impressive collection of sculptures in its dedicated museum.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C34711172226272216105
Rain mm145986654452688205480132

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
This remarkable ancient city gives an extensive outdoor walking experience among stunningly preserved marble ruins, including a magnificent stadium and the Temple of Aphrodite. The site also features an excellent indoor museum housing an extraordinary collection of marble sculptures excavated from the immediate area.
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Typical hours
The archaeological site and its accompanying museum typically operate from morning until late afternoon, with extended opening hours common during the peak summer tourist season. The ticket office usually closes about an hour before the site itself, so it is crucial to arrive well before the final admission time.
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Photography
The gleaming white marble ruins set against the surrounding green landscape and mountains provide exceptional opportunities for dramatic landscape photography. Tripods are generally not permitted inside the sculpture museum, and flash photography should be avoided to help preserve the delicate ancient artifacts on display.
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Time needed
You should allocate at least three to four hours to do justice to both the sprawling outdoor archaeological site and the detailed indoor museum collections. The ruins are quite spread out, so a leisurely pace is necessary to walk from the monumental gateway all the way to the massive ancient stadium.
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Combine with
Although it is somewhat isolated, Aphrodisias makes a fantastic full-day excursion when combined with the famous white travertine terraces of Pamukkale and the ruins of Hierapolis. Travelers journeying between the Aegean coast and the inland regions often use it as a spectacular historical stopover along their scenic driving route.
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Getting there
Reaching the site usually involves driving or taking a tour bus, as public transportation options directly to the ruins are somewhat limited and infrequent. Visitors typically park in a designated lot a short distance away and are then shuttled to the main entrance by a tractor-pulled tram provided by the site management.
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Insider tip
The late afternoon light here is absolutely magical, casting a warm glow on the marble structures like the Tetrapylon, making it the well-suited time for photography and avoiding the midday heat. Bring a good pair of walking shoes, as the pathways between the major monuments can be uneven and the distances are surprisingly long.

Geography

Coordinates
37.70800, 28.72400

Facts

  • The stadium of Aphrodisias measures 262 meters in length and 59 meters in width.
  • The Temple of Aphrodite was converted into a Christian basilica during the 5th century.
  • The Tetrapylon was reconstructed in the 1990s using 80 percent original marble fragments.
  • The Sebasteion was a grand sanctuary dedicated to the worship of the Roman Emperors.
  • Aphrodisias was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2017.
  • The city's Odeon functioned as both a concert hall and a meeting place for the city council.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

DenizliDenizli33 km · EExplore →
PamukkalePamukkale42 km · NEExplore →
Aydın Fig OrchardsAydın Fig Orchards80 km · WExplore →
KuyucakKuyucak80 km · SWExplore →
AkyakaAkyaka80 km · SWExplore →
KöyceğizKöyceğiz82 km · SExplore →
Lake SaldaLake Salda86 km · EExplore →
ÇamlıÇamlı90 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Aphrodisias (9)

Aphrodisias

Ancient city in Geyre, Aydın, Turkey, known for its well-preserved stadium and sculpture.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-17:30💶

North Agora

North Agora of Aphrodisias, a large square with porticoes, once a market and gathering place.

Agora Gate

Gate of the Agora in Aphrodisias, a monumental entrance with columns and niches.

Civil Basilica

Ancient Roman building in Aphrodisias, used as a court and assembly hall.

Theatre

Ancient Roman theatre in Aphrodisias (near today's Geyre, Aydin, Turkey).

Odeion

Ancient Roman odeion or bouleuterion in Aphrodisias in today's Turkey.

Aphrodisias Tetrastoon

Tetrastoon of Aphrodisias, a square surrounded by four porticoes near the theatre.

Hamam

Roman bath in Aphrodisias, ruins of a public bath building with several rooms.

Museum of Aphrodisias🏛 museum

Museum of Aphrodisias, displays finds from the ancient city, including sculptures and reliefs.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about Aphrodisias?
The exceptionally well-preserved marble reliefs and the stadium.
When should I visit Aphrodisias?
In the morning to avoid the heat and tour groups.
How long does the visit take?
About 2 to 3 hours.
Is a guide available?
Certified guides are often available at the entrance.
Am I allowed to picnic there?
No, food and drink are not allowed on the site.
Aphrodisias: where is it located?
Aphrodisias is located in Turkey.
Aphrodisias: what is there to see?
Highlights include Aphrodisias, North Agora, Agora Gate.
Aphrodisias: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
Aphrodisias: why is it worth visiting?
Aphrodisias was an ancient city in the Caria region of southwestern Turkey, named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love.
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Pamukkale — Aphrodisias (Turkey)
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An impressive natural wonder in western Turkey, known for its bright white travertine terraces and hot thermal springs.

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Lake Bafa — Aphrodisias (Turkey)
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Büyük Menderes River — Aphrodisias (Turkey)
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Aydın Fig Orchards
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Dilek Peninsula National Park — Aphrodisias (Turkey)
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