The remains of the ancient Greek city of Aphrodisias.   

Around 230 kilometers from Izmir near the village of Geyre lie the remains of the ancient Greek city of Aphrodisias.

The remains are found on a high plateau surrounded by mountains and make for a wonderfully beautiful setting.

Aphrodisias was named after Aphrodite the goddess of love but after the spread of Christianity to the region it’s name was changed to Stauroupolis which means the City of the Cross.

Near the city is a marble quarry from which stone was used to create sculpture and statues many of which have been excavated by archaeologists. Aphrodisias was renowned for it’s school of sculpture and many sculptures from this city have been found throughout the Roman empire.       

The first excavations at the site started in 1904 by Paul Gaudin and are continuing today under the leadership of both New York and Oxford Universities.

Evidence shows that Aphrodiais was inhabited from Neolithic times making it one of the earliest occupied sites in Anatolia. Aphrodisias was just a shrine for many centuries despite being situated in a strategically important area and being close to many major trade routes. The shrine only grew into a town until the second century BC.


Opening hours:
Aphrodisias is open in summer between 8am and 7pm and in winter between 8am and 5.30pm.

What to see there?
A path circles the ancient site and by walking it you will be able to take in all the important parts of the city. These include the theatre which was constructed in the first century BC. Behind the stage is a large square which would have originally been surrounded by columns, it was an important place for meetings in the Roman and Byzantine city.

South of the square are the Roman baths. Other sights include the Portico of Tiberius and the Baths of Hadrian where floor tiles and mosaics can be seen. To the north of the Baths of Hadrian are the remains of a building commonly known as the Bishop’s Palace because of its use during Byzantine times however it is more likely to have started life as the residence of the Roman provinces governor.

Not much remains of the temple of Aphrodite apart from fourteen columns, during Byzantine times the building was converted into a basilica in the fifth century and it has taken a lot of work by archaeologists to uncover the primary structure. Other things to see in the city are the School of Philosophy, the stadium and tetrepylon. The tetrapylon is a gateway with rows of columns supporting pediments with highly decorated reliefs. It was re-erected recently but dates from the second century AD. There is a museum in the village of Geyre which displays statues, friezes and other ancient finds from Aphrodisius.

Transportation:
The best way to get to Aphrodisias is from the town of Karacasu which can be reached from Nazilli by dolmuş. From Karacasu visitors can take a taxi if they do not have their own transport. Tours to Aphrodisias can also be arranged from many of the pensions in Pamukale.

Accommodation :
Karacasu does not have any good accommodation so it is best not to plan to stay the night there but, in Nazilli there is The Metya Hotel and in the village of Geyre the Chez Mestan Pansiyon and the Aphrodisias Hotel Restaurant Camping.