Anasayfa Our Natural & Cultural Heritage
Ephesus (Efes)
Located in Selçuk, Ephesus is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As one of the most important centers of the ancient world, it has seen continuous settlement for approximately 9,000 years, from prehistoric times through the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Beylik, and Ottoman periods. Throughout its history, Ephesus has been a major port city and a significant cultural and commercial hub. Nearby attractions such as the House of Virgin Mary, Ayasuluk Hill, Saint John Basilica, and Çukuriçi Mound are also must-visits.
Agora Ruins
Situated in the Kemeraltı area of İzmir’s Konak district, the Agora was the administrative, social, cultural, and religious center of the ancient city of Smyrna during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Most of the ruins date back to the 2nd century AD. The term “Agora” means “city square, marketplace.” Built in three levels near the city center according to the Hippodamus city plan, it is considered the largest and best-preserved Ionic agora.
Metropolis Ancient Settlement
Located between Yeniköy and Özbey villages in Torbalı, Metropolis was named after the mother goddess Meter Gallesia and rests against Gallesion Mountain. Archaeological evidence shows settlement traces dating back to the Neolithic period in nearby areas like Tepeköy, Dedecik, and Kuşçu.
Erythrai Ancient City
Erythrai, located 20 km northeast of Çeşme in Ildırı village, has evidence of habitation dating back to the Early Bronze Age. Settlement appears continuous from the 8th to 4th centuries BC, playing an active role in the social and political changes of the ancient Ionian region during Hellenistic and Roman times.
Klazomenai Ancient City
One of the twelve Ionian cities, Klazomenai in Urla spreads from Limantepe to Ayyıldız and Cankurtaran hills, partially extending onto Karantina Island. Excavations of an ancient olive oil press here prove that the first olive oil production technology in the world was developed in this region 2,600 years ago.
Teos Ancient City
Located within walking distance of Sığacık on the coast, Teos was the capital of Northern Ionia 3,000 years ago, founded by Athames, son of Dionysus. The city played an important role in architecture and trade and was the first known home of the Artists’ Guild. Ancient olive and pistachio trees, including the 2,000-year-old Teos Olive Tree, remain as natural monuments.
Notion Ancient City
The port city of Notion lies within present-day Ahmetbeyli village, 15 km from Kolophon. Its acropolis, known as “Kale” by locals, sits on two hills with a temple dedicated to Athena Polias commanding a full view of the sea. Hellenistic-era walls remain well-preserved, and the site contains a theatre, agora, bouleuterion, and a small Athena temple.
Kolophon Ancient City
Located east of Değirmendere, Kolophon is the only Ionian city not built on the coast. Despite having a strong navy and cavalry, it suffered from multiple wars and was controlled by Lydia, Persia, and Macedonia. After its destruction by Lysimachus in 302 BC, the nearby city of Notion gained prominence.
Pergamon Acropolis
Pergamon, added to the World Heritage List in 2014, was continuously inhabited due to its strategic location despite numerous invasions and destructions. Settlement traces in the Bakırçay Valley date back to prehistoric times, with the acropolis area showing activity from the 7th to 5th centuries BC. Its name derives from “Perg” or “Berg,” meaning “fortress” or “fortified place.”
Pergamon Asklepion
Established outside the Pergamon acropolis in the 4th century BC, the Asklepion was a healing center dedicated to the god of health, Asclepius. Known for its advanced architecture and treatment methods, it became one of Western Anatolia’s most important medical centers. The remaining structures date to renovations by Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD.
Kızıl AvluRed Courtyard (Kızıl Avlu)
Built during Emperor Hadrian’s reign in the 2nd century AD, this monumental temple likely honored the Egyptian gods Serapis, Harpocrates, and Isis. Measuring 270 x 100 m with the temple itself at 60 x 20 m, it is one of Pergamon’s grandest structures. Constructed entirely of brick, the temple later served as one of the earliest seven churches in Anatolia during the Early Byzantine period.
Yeşilova Mound
Yeşilova Mound is the oldest known settlement within İzmir. Excavations revealed that its history extends over 5,000 years, making it one of the earliest settlements in Anatolia. Archaeological work began in 2005 with İzmir Archaeology Museum and has continued under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zafer Derin for the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Ege University.
