Have you ever wondered what it was like to live in an ancient city that was once a thriving center of civilization, culture, and commerce? If so, you should visit Perge Ancient City, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Turkey. Perge, also known as Perga, was founded in the 12th century BC by the Hittites, and later became a prominent city of the Roman Empire. Perge was home to famous philosophers, mathematicians, and athletes, and hosted many important events and festivals. Today, you can explore the Perge Ruins, which include a theater, a stadium, a fountain, city walls, thermal baths, an agora, and a monumental fountain. You can also visit the Perge Museum, which displays many artifacts and sculptures from the site.
Perge Ancient City is located near Antalya, a popular tourist destination in Turkey. You can easily reach Perge from Antalya by car, bus, or tour. In this article, you will learn more about Perge and how to visit it. You will also find some tips and advice for making the most of your trip. Whether you are a history buff, a culture lover, or a nature enthusiast, you will find something to enjoy in Perge Ancient City.
What to See in Perge Ancient City
Perge Ancient City is a large and well-preserved site that covers an area of about 15 hectares. You can spend several hours exploring the ruins and admiring the architecture and art of the ancient city. Here are some of the main attractions and monuments that you should not miss:
The Theater:
The theater of Perge was built in the 2nd century AD and could seat up to 15,000 spectators. It was used for theatrical performances, musical concerts, and gladiator fights. The theater has a semi-circular shape and a three-story stage building. You can see the remains of the seats, the orchestra, the stage, and the backstage. You can also enjoy a panoramic view of the site from the upper rows of the theater.
The Stadium:
The stadium of Perge was one of the largest and best-preserved stadiums in the ancient world. It was built in the 2nd century AD and could accommodate up to 12,000 spectators. It was used for athletic competitions, such as chariot races, wrestling, and boxing. The stadium has a rectangular shape and a curved end. You can see the remains of the track, the seats, the starting gates, and the turning posts. You can also walk along the track and imagine the excitement and cheers of the ancient crowds.
The Fountain:
The fountain of Perge was a magnificent structure that adorned the main street of the city. It was built in the 3rd century AD and consisted of a large pool, a colonnaded facade, and a series of niches. The fountain was fed by a nearby spring and displayed statues of gods, goddesses, and mythological figures. You can see the remains of the pool, the columns, and some of the statues. You can also admire the intricate carvings and decorations of the fountain.
The City Walls:
The city walls of Perge were built in the 4th century BC and surrounded the entire city. They were reinforced and expanded in later periods, and had several gates, towers, and bastions. The city walls were designed to protect the city from invaders and natural disasters. You can see the remains of the walls, the gates, and the towers. You can also walk along the walls and appreciate the strategic and engineering skills of the ancient builders.
The Thermal Baths:
The thermal baths of Perge were a complex of buildings that provided bathing, relaxation, and socialization facilities for the citizens. They were built in the 3rd century AD and consisted of several rooms, such as the cold room, the warm room, the hot room, and the dressing room. The thermal baths were heated by a system of pipes and furnaces, and decorated with mosaics, frescoes, and sculptures. You can see the remains of the rooms, the pipes, the furnaces, and some of the decorations. You can also learn about the hygiene and leisure habits of the ancient people.
The Agora:
The agora of Perge was the main public square and market place of the city. It was built in the 2nd century BC and had a rectangular shape and a colonnaded perimeter. The agora was the center of political, economic, and social life in Perge. It hosted assemblies, elections, trials, speeches, trade, and festivals. You can see the remains of the columns, the shops, the statues, and the altars. You can also sense the atmosphere and vitality of the ancient city.
The Monumental Fountain:
The monumental fountain of Perge was a splendid structure that marked the entrance to the agora. It was built in the 2nd century AD and consisted of a large arch, a semi-circular pool, and a series of niches. The monumental fountain was dedicated to the emperor and the imperial family, and displayed statues of them. You can see the remains of the arch, the pool, and some of the statues. You can also marvel at the grandeur and loyalty of the ancient city.
How to Visit Perge Ancient City
Perge Ancient City is a popular tourist destination that attracts thousands of visitors every year. If you want to visit Perge Ancient City, here are some information and tips that you should know:
Entrance, Tickets, and Tours:
Perge Ancient City is open every day from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm in the winter season (November to March) and from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm in the summer season (April to October). The entrance fee for Perge Ancient City is 50 Turkish Liras (about 6 USD) per person. You can also buy a museum pass for 325 Turkish Liras (about 40 USD) that gives you access to 12 museums and archaeological sites in Antalya for 15 days. You can also join a guided tour for Perge Ancient City that includes transportation, entrance fees, and a professional guide. You can find many tour options online or at your hotel or travel agency.
How to Get to Perge Ancient City:
Perge Ancient City is located about 18 km east of Antalya, the largest city on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. You can reach Perge Ancient City by car, bus, or taxi. If you have a car, you can drive to Perge Ancient City via the D400 highway and follow the signs. The journey takes about 30 minutes. If you take a bus, you can take the number 600 bus from Antalya Bus Station to Aksu and then take a minibus or a taxi to Perge Ancient City. The journey takes about an hour. If you take a taxi, you can find many taxis in Antalya that can take you to Perge Ancient City. The journey takes about 30 minutes and costs about 150 Turkish Liras (about 18 USD).
Best Time to Visit Perge Ancient City
Perge Ancient City is a year-round destination that can be visited in any season. However, some seasons are better than others depending on your preferences and expectations. Here are some factors that you should consider when choosing the best time to visit Perge Ancient City:
Weather and Climate:
Perge Ancient City has a Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers and mild and rainy winters. The average temperature in Perge Ancient City ranges from 10°C (50°F) in January to 28°C (82°F) in August. The average rainfall in Perge Ancient City ranges from 20 mm (0.8 inches) in July to 230 mm (9 inches) in December. The best time to visit Perge Ancient City for the weather and climate is from April to June and from September to November, when the temperature is pleasant, the rainfall is low, and the vegetation is green and lush.
Crowds and Prices:
Perge Ancient City is a popular tourist destination that attracts thousands of visitors every year. The peak season for Perge Ancient City is from June to August, when the weather is hot and sunny, the schools are closed, and the festivals are held. The off-season for Perge Ancient City is from December to February, when the weather is cold and rainy, the schools are open, and the festivals are over. The shoulder season for Perge Ancient City is from March to May and from September to November, when the weather is mild and sunny, the schools are open, and the festivals are few. The best time to visit Perge Ancient City for the crowds and prices is from March to May and from September to November, when the crowds are moderate, the prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere is relaxed and peaceful.
Perge Tips
Perge Ancient City is a fascinating and rewarding destination that offers a lot to see and do. However, to make the most of your visit, you should follow some tips and advice that will help you enjoy your trip. Here are some of the best Perge tips that you should know:
What to Wear:
Perge Ancient City is an outdoor site that requires a lot of walking and exploring. Therefore, you should wear comfortable and appropriate clothing and footwear that will protect you from the sun, the heat, the cold, and the rain. You should also wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to avoid sunburns and heat strokes. You should also respect the local culture and customs and avoid wearing revealing or offensive clothing that might offend the locals or the authorities.
What to Carry:
Perge Ancient City is a large and complex site that requires a lot of walking and exploring. Therefore, you should carry some essentials that will help you enjoy your visit. You should carry a backpack, a water bottle, a snack, a camera, a map, and a guidebook. You should also carry some cash, as there are no ATMs or credit card machines in the site. You should also carry some ID, as you might need to show it at the entrance or at the museum.
What to See:
Perge Ancient City is a fascinating and rewarding destination that offers a lot to see and do. However, you might not have enough time or energy to see everything in one day. Therefore, you should prioritize what you want to see and do according to your interests and preferences. You should also plan your route and schedule ahead of time, as the site is large and spread out. You should also check the opening hours and the availability of the attractions and monuments, as some of them might be closed or under renovation. You should also consider joining a guided tour or hiring a local guide, as they can provide you with more information and insights about the site.
What to Do:
Perge Ancient City is not only a historical and cultural site, but also a natural and scenic site. Therefore, you should not only admire the ancient structures and artifacts, but also enjoy the natural beauty and atmosphere of the site. You should take some time to relax and appreciate the views, the sounds, and the smells of the site. You should also take some photos and videos of the site, as they can capture the memories and the emotions of your visit. You should also interact with the locals and the other visitors, as they can share their stories and experiences with you. You should also try some local food and drinks, as they can give you a taste of the local culture and cuisine.
Perge Ancient City is a must-see destination for anyone who loves history, culture, and nature. Perge Ancient City is one of the most impressive and well-preserved archaeological sites in Turkey, with many attractions and monuments that showcase the ancient glory and legacy of the city. Perge Ancient City is also rich in history and culture, with many stories and legends that reveal the past and present of the city.
Perge Ancient City is also a beautiful and peaceful site, with many natural and scenic features that enhance the charm and appeal of the city. If you want to visit Perge Ancient City, you should follow this guide and the tips that we have provided. You will surely have an unforgettable and enjoyable experience in Perge Ancient City.
Are you ready to explore Perge Ancient City? Book your trip now and discover the wonders of this ancient city near Antalya.
