Magnificent Open Air Museums in Turkey

After the Republic was proclaimed, Ataturk wanted the historical ruins, natural beauties and beautiful things made by human hands in Turkey to be uncovered, identified and exhibited. The ruins of the civilizations that our beautiful lands were home to began to be unearthed and unearthed.

Dünyada Gezebileceğiniz Online Müzeler

Among the most striking beauties and museums of our country are the open-air museums. Our lands, with their history stretching back thousands of years, host numerous significant archaeological remains. There are about ten open-air museums within our country's borders, nearly all of which are world-renowned ancient cities. These museums, which host numerous domestic and international tourists throughout the year, should definitely be on your list if you haven’t visited them yet.

Here are some must-see open-air museums in our country:

  • •  Undoubtedly, the first on the list is the Ancient City of Ephesus, with a history dating back to 5000 BC. Known to host the largest temple of Artemis, it is said that the Virgin Mary also visited this city. You can easily access this ancient city, which houses a library, theater, and many other magnificent ruins, from Selçuk and Kuşadası.
  • •  The Göreme Open-Air Museum has already gained international fame. Located near Nevşehir in Cappadocia, which is the center of Christianity, Göreme offers a visual feast with structures such as the Snake Church, Chapel of St. Basil, and the Tokalı and Elmalı Churches amid the region's spectacular natural beauty. You can reach the museum with a pleasant walk from Göreme.
  • •  Bergama, known as the world's first healing center, is one of the most visited sites. Located today in İzmir, this city was among the brightest centers of the Hellenistic Period for about 200 years. Today, the site displays libraries, steep ancient theaters, royal palaces, aqueducts, and fountains. The ruins of the Temple of Zeus can also be found on the acropolis of the ancient city.
  • •  Mount Nemrut is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known as one of the world's wonders. The region, famous for having the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets, hosts numerous tourists. It contains many tombs and statues from the Commagene Civilization.
  • •  The capital of the Hittites, Hattuşaş, is located in Çorum and has been found to comprise approximately five cultural layers through excavations. The city houses tablets of the Treaty of Kadesh, among the most important artifacts.
  • •  Aphrodisias, named after the famous Aphrodite and once the capital of the Lydians, is known for its sculptures, sculptors, and sculpting school. Located in Karacasu, Aydın, this ancient city was among the most important centers of literature and arts of its time. The temple of Aphrodite, theater, stadium, statues, and sarcophagi are truly worth seeing.
  • •  Perge, located in the Antalya region, is one of the most famous tourist centers. Known as the best-preserved and most beautiful city of Anatolia from the Roman period, it showcases a great ancient theater, necropolis, fountain, walls, and many other ruins.
  • •  Hierapolis, spreading around Pamukkale and dating back to the 2nd century BC, is not only a significant historical and tourist center of the region but also of the world. The city houses numerous temples and sacred religious structures. It is considered one of the most important centers of Christianity in Anatolia, believed to be where one of Jesus’s apostles died.
  • •  Miletus, located in Didim, hosts one of the largest amphitheaters in Anatolia. With Roman baths, religious centers, agora, and gymnasium, this ancient city is one of the region's significant tourist centers.
  • •  Sardes, located in Salihli, Manisa, known as the place where the first coin was minted, served as the capital of the Lydians. It was one of the important centers in the spread of Christianity and hosts one of the seven churches. The region has uncovered about 90 royal tombs.