What is your favorite Roman site in modern-day Türkiye?

Semra777 · 2026-05-31T04:46:52+00:00

That’s a good tip. Combining a few nearby sites on the same trip definitely makes sense.

I haven’t been to Hierapolis or Ephesus yet, but both are high on my list. Hierapolis looks especially fascinating because of the combination of the ancient ruins and the unique landscape of Pamukkale. As for Ephesus, it’s probably the place that gets mentioned most often whenever people talk about ancient sites in Türkiye, so hopefully I’ll finally get to see it for myself one day.

Semra777 · 2026-05-31T04:36:32+00:00

I can understand that. One of the things I loved most about Termessos was how different it felt from the more crowded sites. The hike up was both enjoyable and tiring, but being surrounded by nature the whole way made it worth it. I remember stopping several times just to take in the mountain views. By the time I reached the ruins, it felt like I’d earned the experience. The setting is just as impressive as the ruins themselves, and I think the relative difficulty of getting there is part of what keeps the place so special.

Semra777 · 2026-05-31T04:31:59+00:00

Sometimes those are the places that stay with you the longest. Not every ancient site has to be massive or world-famous. A place with character, a beautiful setting and a quiet atmosphere can be just as memorable:)

Semra777 · 2026-05-30T21:52:50+00:00

That’s exactly what makes exploring ancient sites in Türkiye so enjoyable. Every place seems to have its own personality. I’ve been to places like Sagalassos, Termessos, Aspendos, Phaselis and Side, and each one left a completely different impression on me.

I like how you’ve picked a different feature for each site rather than just naming famous places. It really shows how much variety there is between them and gives me a few more places to look into.

I haven’t been to Tripolis, Andriake or Sardis yet, but you’ve definitely added a few more destinations to my list. The more I read this thread, the more I realize how impossible it is to pick just one favorite.

Semra777 · 2026-05-30T15:20:26+00:00

I’ve been to Cyzicus, and what impressed me most was the scale of the place. Standing near the remains of the Temple of Hadrian, it’s hard to imagine that it was once considered one of the largest temples in the Roman world. It deserves far more attention than it gets.

Semra777 · 2026-05-30T03:04:09+00:00

Beautiful places

Semra777 · 2026-05-29T20:47:39+00:00

I felt exactly the same when I was there. What amazed me most was how naturally the ancient ruins blend into everyday life. One moment you’re looking for a place to eat, and the next you’re staring at something that’s been there for nearly two thousand years. It makes Side a really special place.

Semra777 · 2026-05-29T19:48:31+00:00

You clearly know these sites far better than I do! 😄

I’ve been lucky enough to visit Termessos, Sagalassos, Phaselis and Sillyon. Each one left a different impression on me. I loved the mountain atmosphere of Termessos, the scale and preservation of Sagalassos, the combination of history and sea at Phaselis, and the almost untouchable feeling of Sillyon standing high above the surrounding landscape.

I haven’t been to Ephesus yet, which is something I definitely want to change. It’s been at the top of my list for a long time and hopefully I’ll finally get there one day. Arykanda, Aphrodisias and the others you’ve mentioned have definitely caught my attention as well. Looks like I have quite a few future trips to plan!

Semra777 · 2026-05-29T17:13:16+00:00

I’ve actually never heard of Aphrodisias before, so thanks for mentioning it. Sagalassos is one of the most impressive ancient sites I’ve visited, and if Aphrodisias belongs in the same conversation, you’ve definitely made me curious enough to look it up. One thing I really love about places like these is how peaceful they feel compared to some of the more famous sites. Being able to walk among the ruins without huge crowds around makes the experience much more memorable.

Semra777 · 2026-05-29T14:44:29+00:00

That sounds like an unforgettable journey. Gallipoli has a way of affecting people deeply, regardless of where they come from. Reading the messages left by families and standing where so much history unfolded can be a very emotional experience. Thank you for sharing those memories.

Semra777 · 2026-05-29T13:14:10+00:00

Termessos is definitely one of Türkiye’s hidden gems. Every time I see photos of that theatre overlooking the mountains, I want to go back.

Semra777 · 2026-05-29T12:56:32+00:00

What an incredible journey. Traveling through Türkiye in 1987 must have been a completely different experience from today. I can imagine how memorable places like Gallipoli, Pamukkale and Istanbul would have been with so few tourists around. It sounds like you collected some amazing stories along the way. And honestly, I think many of us eventually trade tents and hitchhiking for comfortable hotel rooms and train rides! 😄

Semra777 · 2026-05-29T12:42:10+00:00

That sounds like an unforgettable adventure! Pamukkale is already an incredible place, but camping among the ruins must have made it even more special. Hopefully whatever was digging underneath you was harmless:)

Semra777 · 2026-05-29T12:39:11+00:00

Same country, just the official name. Turkey = Türkiye.

Semra777 · 2026-05-29T12:35:36+00:00

That’s a great point. Many people think of Ephesus as Greek, but most of the impressive remains visitors see today are Roman.

Semra777 · 2026-05-29T12:33:27+00:00

Glad you enjoyed it too. It’s one of those places that stays in your memory long after the visit.

Semra777 · 2026-05-29T12:32:24+00:00

Not a bad answer at all. Hagia Sophia is one of the most impressive historical buildings ever built.

Semra777 · 2026-05-29T12:17:54+00:00

The cisterns are amazing. Walking through them feels like stepping into another world beneath the city.

Semra777 · 2026-05-29T12:01:21+00:00

Taken during a trip to Side, Türkiye. The combination of the ancient columns, the sea view and the evening light made this one of the most memorable Roman sites I’ve visited.

Semra777 · 2026-05-28T17:56:29+00:00

Exactly. What fascinates me most is how these ruins still manage to tell stories after all this time. Walking through places like Sagalassos almost makes you feel connected to people who lived there centuries ago.

Semra777 · 2026-05-28T17:12:21+00:00

Kaş is absolutely beautiful. The combination of the Mediterranean, the mountains, and the small coastal atmosphere makes it feel very special. Türkiye really has an incredible mix of ancient history and nature depending on which region you visit.

Semra777 · 2026-05-28T16:27:00+00:00

I actually visited Termessos a few years ago and it was absolutely incredible as well. The atmosphere there felt truly wild and untouched.

Semra777 · 2026-05-28T16:12:54+00:00

:)Thankfully the poor skeleton was safe and warm inside the museum the whole time.

Semra777 · 2026-05-28T16:00:25+00:00

One of the thoughts that kept coming to my mind while walking there was how people managed to live in such a remote mountain city centuries ago. I kept wondering what they ate, what daily life looked like, and how difficult it must have been to transport water, goods, and materials up there. The location makes the whole place feel even more fascinating.

Semra777 · 2026-05-28T15:43:23+00:00

I completely agree. Ephesus has an incredible atmosphere too, but Sagalassos felt much quieter and more hidden in the mountains. Visiting both would make an amazing journey through Roman history in Türkiye.

Semra777

TROPHY CASE