Top 10 Ancient Places in İzmir

1. Ephesus

Ephesus is located in the Selçuk district of İzmir province and is approximately an hour's drive from İzmir city center. Little remains of the famous Temple of Artemis, one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World,” drew pilgrims from around the Mediterranean. The Ancient City of Ephesus is an outstanding example of a Roman port city, with a sea channel and harbor basin. Ephesus, which was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 1994, was officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.

2. Pergamon Ancient City (Acropolis)

Pergamon is located in the Bergama district of İzmir province and is approximately a 2-hour drive from İzmir city center. The ancient settlement of Pergamon, located on the summit of Kale Mountain, represents one of the finest examples of Hellenistic urban planning with its monumental architecture. Additionally, the Pergamon and Its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014.

3. Teos Ancient City

Teos is located near the town of Seferihisar in İzmir Province. It is about an hour's drive from İzmir city center. Teos was originally founded as a Greek colony in the 3rd millennium BCE and became one of the important cities in Ionia, a region known for its advanced civilization and cultural achievements. Teos is renowned for its large and well-preserved Temple of Dionysus, dedicated to the Greek god of wine and revelry.

4. Metropolis Ancient City

Metropolis is located near Torbalı in İzmir Province.It is about a half-hour drive from İzmir city center. The city, meaning "mother city" in Greek, was an important center in the region during antiquity. The theater of Metropolis is notable for its well-preserved seating and stage area. It could accommodate a significant number of spectators.

5. Klazomenai Ancient City

Klazomenai is located near Urla in İzmir Province. It is approximately a 45-minute drive from İzmir city center. Klazomenai was one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League. Due to its strategic coastal location, the city was an important center for trade and maritime activities. Klazomenai is renowned for contributions to agriculture, particularly olive oil production.

6. Agora of Smyrna

The Agora of Smyrna is a significant archaeological site that provides valuable insights into the urban and social life of ancient Smyrna. The Agora of Smyrna was the central marketplace and public space in the ancient city. It served as a hub for trade, political activities, and social gatherings Agora of Smyrna is also one of the most important elements of the Historic Port City of İzmir, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List as of April 2020.

7. Claros Archaeological Site

The Claros Archaeological Site is located near Menderes, about 40 kilometers southwest of İzmir. Claros was an ancient Greek sanctuary and oracle dedicated to Apollo, the god of prophecy, music, and healing. It was a prominent religious and cultural center in antiquity. Visitors were going to Claros to receive oracles and advice from Apollo, consulting him on important matters.

8. Yeşilova Höyük

Yeşilova Mound (Yeşilova Höyük) is an important archaeological site located in İzmir. The first settlement at Yeşilova Höyük began around 8,500 years ago during the Neolithic period. It is a significant site for understanding the prehistoric period in Anatolia, particularly the early stages of urbanization and settlement in the region. The site consists of multiple layers of occupation, spanning from the Neolithic to the early Bronze Age. These layers reveal how the settlement evolved. Numerous artifacts have been discovered at Yeşilova Höyük, including pottery, tools, and figurines.

9. Erythrai (Ildırı) Ancient Settlement

The site is located near the modern village of Ildırı, approximately 40 kilometers northwest of İzmir. As a member of the Ionian League, Erythrai was part of a federation of Greek cities known for their shared cultural and political interests. The city's strategic location on the Aegean Sea made it an important center for trade and maritime activities.

10. Phokaia Ancient City

Phokaia was an ancient Greek city located on the western coast of Anatolia. It was situated near the modern town of Foça in the İzmir. Phokaia was known for its maritime activities, trade, and colonization. The city walls of ancient Phokaia were built between 590 and 580 BCE. The parts of the fortress, known as the Castle Walls and Five Gates, which were renovated in the Byzantine, Genoese, and Ottoman periods, have survived. The fortress was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2013.