aphrodisias

This came as a real surprise, as it has mostly been excavated since I was studying Ancient Greek archaeology. It is a beautiful site with interesting and charming buildings and a well laid out museum. Don't miss it.

Aphrodisias is wonderful. Unlike many other major sites in the area (Ephesus notoriously comes to mind), this remote site (about two hours from Pamukale) does not attract too many tourists, so the visitor can walk around relatively undisturbed.There is a lot to see in this place. The enormous stadium stands proudly at the edge of town. There is a temple and the tetrapylon and the Odeon and the Sebasteion and agora and a theatre and endless sarcophagi scattered around the site and lovely statues from all over the place are now on display in the tiny museum.It is one of the loveliest archaeological sites one can visit.

It's a little out of the way, but worth the visit.We were driving from Selcuk to Pamukkale when we stopped here. The parking lot is outside of the site across the road, and a little shuttle tram will take you to the entrance.This ancient site isn't as big as Ephesus, but therein lies its beauty. It's one of the main ancient sites in Turkey yet few tourists make it.This means you actually get to wander around without being jostled or rushed. And your photos of the landmarks could be postcard-perfect and people-free.Besides the ancient city ruins, the stadium and the theater are the main highlights.The stadium is huge, HUGE; believed to be able to seat 30,000 spectators. For its mammoth size, it is in incredible shape, one of the best preserved structures of its kind in the region.The theater is beautiful simply because it's so tranquil, looking beyond the stage out into the surround valley and the distant hills.Also look out for the Bouleuterion (Council House) and the Sebasteion, both of which have fascinating reliefs.Aphrodisias is still a work-in-progress and you may see archeologists at work, which adds to the charm of this place.If you're driving, it will probably be mid-day when you get here, so bring a hat and wear sunblock, and bring water with you. There's a cafe and gift shop at the entrance.

There are a lot of ancient sites in Turkey and it's easy to be overwhelmed by them. This was one of my favorites. The stadium and theatre are especially powerful. It's worth the trip if you're going to be in the area, but I would do Pamukkale and Hieropolis first.

Wow... Woow... An amazing location with it's unbelivable sculpture samples and other art crafts... You MUST go there... Yes it is must... And smell the ancient wonders...

In our three weeks in Turkey we visited many archaeological sites and ruins - but Aphrodisias by far was the our favorite. It is the largest and best preserved archaeological site in Turkey. It's best to rent a car and visit Aphrodisias on your own. IAphrodisias about 50 miles west of Pamukkale and entrance to the site is by tram (located across the road). The site in my opinion rivals Ephesus, sans the crowds. The site's museum is not to be missed, it houses many impressive marble statues (see photo). If you look closely at the photo you can see two people standing at the end of the room (emphasis on the scale). Aphrodisias was an important center in the ancient world for skilled artisans and sculptors. The area was also an important source of marble. The temple of Aphrodite, the well preserved stadium, the Bouleterion, Agora and the theatre are impressive. You are able to walk completely around the top rows of the stadium which could seat 30,000. The site is not very well marked so make sure that you have a map and its a good idea to get the audio tour.

Well off the beaten tourist track, so a organised tour maybe called for as it was about an hour from Pamukkale to Aphrodisias, interesting drive... One of the best sites of this type around as it is fairly isolated, our tour was 2 and bit hours but to not rush I would allow 3 hours. Take plenty of water.The forum is amazingly mostly still intact and gives a great insight of what it would have been like with thousands of screaming sports fans...the other areas are also very well maintained

As part of a tour of the Lycia area of Turkey we visited the ancient site of Aphrodisias and what a treat it was. This well preserved ancient Roman site is spectacular and for us a better visit than the more famous Ephesus site. If you like to see old and historic sites this is a must. The on-site museum is outstanding.

This is one of the most outstanding sites we saw in Turkey. It is not as convenient for cruise ship passengers as, say, Ephesus, but if you can manage it I absolutely recommend driving out. My thoughts and recommendations: - Plan for at least four hours. There are restaurants outside of the site and a cafe inside as well so you can use your stop to enjoy a meal. - If you can, pack a picnic and sit in the amphitheater to marvel in the amazing view and the serenity of this less crowded space.- The amphitheater was certainly the highlight for us - we could have enjoyed that view for hours! But other amazing structures also are unique - the stadium, the Temple of Aphrodite, etc.- It IS a work in progress as other reviewers have said but IMHO that enhances the charm of the place. Kids will see real archaeologists at work, and I rather think hard packed earth paths are more appropriate than carefully manicured sidewalks anyway- Their museum collection reminded me of the Getty in Los Angeles. It is not as extensive, but the statues are well displayed and interpreted, and it is worth your time. My only complaint is there was no where to sit inside, which would have been nice to enjoy and contemplate the sculptures on display.- The site has a lot of flat walkways and is far from a mountain hike that is Priene. - If you are driving yourself, you have to park in the lot outside the entrance and then take one of the frequent shuttles into the site itself.- Restroom facilities in the site were sub-par. They had some western toilets, some squat, but were universally dirty, out of toilet paper, etc. Definite room for improvement there, and an astonishing contrast to how modern and impressive the museum was.

We spent 3 hours here and this is ample time to explore all that the site has to offer. We enjoyed seeing the stadium, its size is impressive. After seeing Hierapolis the day before and Kaunos the week prior, we might have been a little site weary and whilst glad we went, I don't think Aphrodisias is as impressive as these two other places. That said, the site is work in progress and if you are a history/archaeology fan then I'm sure you will thoroughly enjoy it here.

An interesting site. The stadium is huge and well preserved. A little bit disappointed that some of the rubble and flora has not been cleared as has been done in Kibyra. However, the site is worth the visit.

Very interesting site as it was used for medical assessments and purposes Some parts almost complete such as the tunnel assessment !.

A very good museum with some excellent examples of statuary and ancient artifacts.The site is well laid out, sort of like an early Roman City, :-) It is another Archeological site of which there are many from this period. We enjoyed the 38 km drive off the highway to the site and found the site itself to be an interesting walk.When you arrive, don't turn into the access road but rather park across the road and there is a tractor/wagon that will take you through the gate and down to the entrance. They are there to bring your back when you are ready.

This is quite a compact site not as extentensively excavated as Ephesus. It has some large scale attractions - the stadium is vast and because it is so well preserved it is very easy to imagine what it would be like as one of 30,000 spectators. The Hadrian Baths complex is equally on a grand scale. The Roman ode ion which was originally the Greek council chamber is also very well preserved. I thought the Sebasteion was quite unusual - I can't remember seeing this at any other Roman cities. The sculptures of the dignitaries who were honoured as gods are remarkable. The museum is a highlight of the site. Aphrodisiacs was a school of sculpture and the museum houses a vast number of very beautiful and well preserved examples of the artistry of the school. The temple of Aphrodisia must have been beautiful in its time.

These are truly amazing..and yet when I entered the Museum it looked so small yet held amazing sculptures..so don't miss the Museum.