Aphrodisias
ANCIENT CITY OF APHRODISIAS
Aphrodisias is one of Turkey’s finest archaeological sites. The city was named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. The city was built near a marble quarry, eventuating in extensive exploitation, with the city even became known for its marble statues. Unfortunately, the site is located in an earthquake zone and has suffered extensive damage over the years.
MAIN SIGHTS
TEMPLE OF APHRODITE
The Temple of Aphrodite was a focal point of the town until it was transformed into a Christian basilica in 500 AD. The site is home to many sculptures, with full-length ones being discovered in the Agora. There are also sarcophagi in various locations, with garland and column decorations.
BOULEUTERION
The Bouleuterion was preserved and undamaged for 1000 years, as it lay hidden in a bath of mud. Its open plan consists of an auditorium, a shallow stage, numerous entrances at ground level and several stairways. The estimated seating capacity is 1750.
SEBASTEION
It is thought that the Sebasteion was originally a temple for the Roman emperors. Although according to 1st-century scriptures it was dedicated to Aphrodite, the Divine Augusti and the People. In its heyday, it was a three-story high double colonnade, decorated with Greek friezes.
STADIUM
The stadium is 270m long and the biggest and best preserved in the Mediterranean. It was used for athletic events until it was badly damaged by an earthquake. After this extensive damage, the stadium was converted to a theatre.
The ancient site can be visited from Denizli, the regions capital, accommodation and Bus services connect the city to other parts of Turkey and including the UNESCO sites Pamukkale and Hierapolis.