A brief history of the ancient city of Aphrodisias
Founded in the 2nd century BCE after gaining city-state status, Aphrodisias began as a small settlement in the Hellenistic period and quickly became one of the region’s major centers. Dedicated to Aphrodite, the city’s patron goddess, the Temple of Aphrodite had existed since the 3rd century BCE and played a defining role in shaping the city’s identity. Thanks to its close ties with the Roman Empire, Aphrodisias was granted special privileges, particularly from the 1st century BCE onward. Emperor Augustus famously declared, “Of all Asia, I have chosen this city for myself,” placing Aphrodisias under his protection. In 39 BCE, the Roman Senate granted the city tax exemption and autonomy. As a result, the city prospered rapidly and, thanks to its proximity to rich marble quarries, gained recognition for its sculpture school and marble artistry. Masters trained in Aphrodisias created works throughout the empire, making the city one of the ancient world’s most important centers of art.
Reaching its peak during the Roman era in the 1st and 2nd centuries CE, the city remained important until around the 6th century. With the spread of monotheism, Aphrodisias gradually lost its prominence. The temple was converted into a church toward the end of the 5th century, and during the Byzantine period, the city steadily shrank. In the Middle Ages, earthquakes and shifting trade routes led to the city’s abandonment, leaving its remains buried and forgotten beneath the soil. The modern rediscovery of Aphrodisias, however, is particularly striking. In the mid-20th century, the renowned photographer Ara Güler came upon the area and introduced the monumental ruins he encountered to the world. Following this discovery, archaeological excavations were launched, bringing Aphrodisias back into the light and restoring it to its rightful place in cultural heritage.
The standout structures of Aphrodisias: the Sebasteion, the Theater, the Stadium, and the Temple of Aphrodite
Walking through Aphrodisias, you don’t need much imagination to grasp the scale of the ancient world. The city’s most important structure is the Temple of Aphrodite, built for the goddess believed to protect Aphrodisias. It served as the city’s spiritual center. The entrance is through the Tetrapylon, a monumental gate whose sixteen reconstructed columns now stand again, quietly dramatic and hard to miss, especially for anyone holding a camera. The temple draws the eye with its Ionic design. It later became a basilica in late antiquity, yet it never lost its weight or authority. Even today, the structure feels grounded, solid, and present. Nearby, the ancient theater rises along the slope. With space for tens of thousands of spectators, it offers a clear glimpse into the city’s cultural life. Standing among the seating rows or near the stage, it is easy to picture crowds gathering, voices carrying, and performances unfolding. Then there is the stadium. Vast, elliptical, and remarkably intact. With a capacity of around thirty thousand, it was one of the largest stadiums of the ancient world. Athletic contests, public events, and gladiatorial fights all took place here. What makes it striking now is not just its size but how little of it has been lost to time.
When Aphrodisias comes up, it’s impossible to overlook the Sebasteion, the city’s most ornate and visually striking structure. Dedicated to the Roman imperial dynasty, this monumental temple complex is best known for its marble reliefs. Carved with scenes of emperors alongside mythological figures, these panels are rare works that capture the artistic language of their era. Walking among the Sebasteion’s remains, you can sense how the city’s people once expressed both their loyalty to the emperor and their faith in the gods through monumental architecture.
The city’s inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List and its significance
The ancient city of Aphrodisias was added to UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List in 2009 and inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2017. That decision formally recognized the city’s universal values. The UNESCO listing encompasses not only the ancient city itself but also the marble quarries located just to the northeast, thereby protecting the very marble sources that underpinned the city’s wealth. The main reason for Aphrodisias’ inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List is its exceptionally well-preserved monumental architecture and its unique tradition of marble craftsmanship. The city’s buildings and hundreds of inscriptions reveal cultural interactions spanning a broad period, from the Late Hellenistic to the Byzantine eras. Sculptors trained in Aphrodisias gained wide renown in the ancient world through works that spread throughout the empire. By including Aphrodisias on the list, UNESCO has underscored the city’s importance in the history of art, belief, and urban life. As a result, Aphrodisias has become widely known and is attracting greater interest from visitors.
When is the best time to visit Aphrodisias?
The best times to visit Aphrodisias in the Aegean Region are spring and autumn. In spring, the weather is mild, the surroundings are in full bloom, and with crowds still limited, the site can be comfortably explored. In autumn, the intense summer heat has passed, allowing you to enjoy the ancient city in a cooler, calmer atmosphere. These seasons are also ideal for photography; near sunset, the “golden hour” light highlights the ancient structures. During the summer months, the area can become quite hot. If you plan to visit in summer, it is advisable to choose early morning or late afternoon rather than midday. When exploring during the hottest hours, it is important to have a hat, sunscreen, and water with you. In winter, the weather can be cold and rainy. Visitor numbers are low during this period, and the archaeological site is generally quiet.
How to get to Aphrodisias?
Aphrodisias is about 100 kilometers from the city center of Aydın and approximately 60 kilometers from the city center of Denizli. Traveling by private car is the easiest option. From İzmir, take the Aydın–Nazilli–Karacasu route; from Denizli, take the Tavas–Karacasu road to Geyre village. There is a large, free parking area at the entrance to the ancient city, and the site is a short walk from there. There are also public transportation options. Regular buses run from Aydın or Denizli to the Karacasu district, and from Karacasu, minibuses to Geyre village can take you to Aphrodisias. However, public transportation can be time-consuming. For this reason, especially when time is limited, flying to the region and continuing by road can be a practical option. You can reach the area by purchasing a flight ticket to Denizli or İzmir. Denizli Airport is closer to Aphrodisias and is particularly suitable for those planning to visit Pamukkale as well. İzmir Airport, on the other hand, offers a wider range of international flights, and from there the ancient city can be reached in approximately 2.5 to 3 hours by rental car or tour.
Stops that enrich the Aphrodisias experience
If you would like to learn more about the ancient city of Aphrodisias, guided tours are a good option. Professional guides are available at the site entrance, and if you wish, you can hire one to learn the story and archaeological details of each structure. If you prefer to explore on your own, brochures provided at the entrance and informational panels around the site can also help guide your visit. Keep in mind that the ancient city spans a large area, so touring with a guide can help with time management and provide background information. One of the must-see places at the Aphrodisias site is the Aphrodisias Museum, which was established specifically to display sculptures, reliefs, and smaller finds uncovered during excavations. However, the museum may be temporarily closed at the time of your visit. For this reason, it is recommended to check its current status before setting out. Even if the museum is closed, the many monumental structures and open-air sculptures displayed throughout the site still greatly enrich the Aphrodisias experience.
If you are already in Aphrodisias, you can also take the opportunity to explore other historical and natural attractions in the surrounding area. Pamukkale Travertines and the ancient city of Hierapolis are relatively close to Aphrodisias and make excellent destinations to include on the same trip. Pamukkale is a unique natural wonder known for its white, calcium-rich terraces, while Hierapolis is the ancient Roman city located right beside it; both are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. From Aphrodisias, Pamukkale can be reached by road in about one and a half to two hours, allowing you to enjoy both the travertines and the ruins of Hierapolis. In addition, if your route takes you through the Aydın area, you may also consider visiting other ancient cities, such as Nysa, or stopping by the well-known pottery workshops in Karacasu.
The archaeological site of Aphrodisias is open to visitors every day of the week. During the summer, it is generally open from 08:00 to 19:00, though closing times may be slightly earlier in the winter months. It is helpful to check the current visiting hours before setting out. Because entrance fees may change, we recommend confirming the latest information before your visit. Entry is free for Museum Pass holders, with discounted admission available for students and teachers. To explore the ancient city comfortably, wear suitable walking shoes, as the site covers a wide area and includes ancient stone surfaces. To do justice to Aphrodisias, allow at least three to four hours for your visit. Because the remains are spread across a large area, taking your time rather than rushing can make the experience more enjoyable. The ancient city of Aphrodisias is an unforgettable stop for both history buffs and visitors seeking a calm journey amid natural beauty. During your visit to this remarkable site, you will witness art and daily life from thousands of years ago and see for yourself why this city truly deserves its name, dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty.
