Perge, one of Turkey's most important ancient cities, was founded in 1209 BC. This archeological marvel stands in the Antalya Province along the southwestern Mediterranean seacoast, where it once served as the capital of the Roman province of Pamphylia Secunda. Travelers can discover these spectacular ruins just 15 kilometers east of Antalya.
The ancient city has some of Turkey's finest Hellenistic and Roman ruins. The city has the country's third-largest theater that could seat 12,000 individuals and Western Turkey's best-preserved Roman Stadium. Perge is different from other Roman cities because it has a special central water channel that runs along the main street with cascading pools. The city prospered during the Hellenistic Period and welcomed Alexander the Great's armies without a fight in 333 BCE.
This piece covers essential information for travelers who want to explore this archeological wonder. You can find out everything about the magnificent landmarks and advice on how to make your trip to Perge in Turkey a better experience.
Perge stands out among the ancient ruins in its ability to allow visitors to relive an exquisitely well-preserved Greco-Roman city.
UNESCO registered Perge as a Tentative World Heritage in 2009 based on its universal outstanding value. Orderly excavations at Perge were started by Istanbul University in 1946. Archeologists confirmed that humans lived at Perge from the Late Chalcolitic Ages. The location shows uninterrupted occupation of land at different periods.
Perge's multi-layered cultural heritage makes it unique. The city began as a Lycian settlement and became a Greek city in the Pamphylia region. Alexander the Great passed by in 334 BCE, and Perge went quietly under his conquest.
The city prospered in Roman times between the 1st and 3rd century AD. It was a magnificent urban complex that rivaled Side for the status of Pamphylia's largest settlement. Perge is also sacred - Apostle Paul traveled through it twice during his missionary travels, so it is an important early Christian hub.
The incredible preservation of Perge enables people to stroll back into ancient times. People call it "Turkey's second Zeugma" because of the beautiful mosaics. In 2003, archeologists discovered well-preserved Greek mosaics showing Oceanus and Medusa.
A walk through Perge takes a step back in time. The remains vividly illustrate city life in ancient times with public spaces, bazaars, and magnificent buildings. The intricate stone carvings, the massive theater, and the size of the stadium create lasting impressions.
The city's better urban planning is exemplified by a distinctive water channel running along the Colonnaded Street. Four monumental fountains and two baths feed this channel, giving Perge the "water city" atmosphere. These refined water engineering facilities are further enhanced by intact defense mechanisms in the form of city walls, towers, and monumental gates, resulting in Perge being an exemplary archeological site.
A walk through Perge reveals spectacular monuments exhibiting Roman architectural splendor. Each building tells a unique story of this ancient city's glorious past.
The stunning Perge theater is a blend of Roman and Greek architecture, dating back to around 120 AD. The grand structure accommodated 15,000 spectators. The orchestra of the theater, semi-circular in shape, was turned into an arena to accommodate gladiator games in approximately 250 CE. During Severus Alexander's reign (222-235 CE), the stage building was modified from two to three stories. Visitors who make it to the topmost row enjoy fabulous views of the archeological site.
Asia Minor's biggest stadium is 234 meters in length and 54 meters in width. The engineering marvel would seat between 15,000 and 20,000 individuals. The stadium's 17 rows sit atop 50 open vaults. Fifty-two of the third vaults were utilized as entrances and others as shops by all but one. The arena was filled with sports games, wrestling competitions, boxing matches, and gladiator fights in the past.
Southern Baths is one of the most preserved 1st-century AD buildings in Perge. The complex includes specialized rooms: apodyterium (changing room), frigidarium (cold bath), tepidarium (warm bath), and caldarium (hot bath). The sophisticated hypocaust heating system can still be seen under the pavement. Beautiful opus tessellatum floors of 1st-2nd century AD and Late Antique age (4th-5th century AD) were uncovered during excavations.
There is a broad colonnaded street 300 meters from city gates to the acropolis. A two-meter-wide water canal occupies the center of the street. Water runs through this ingenuous system from basin to basin. The 22-meter-wide street was well filled with shops on both sides, and the marks of ancient chariot tires are still found in the stone sidewalk.
Perge's social center and marketplace thrived in the agora. A circular building, likely a temple-turned-fountain, is in the center. Colonnaded passageways and mosaic-adorned shop floors surrounded this thriving center.
The two-storey monumental fountain stands between the Plancia Magna Gate and the Hellenistic Gate. It was built in the late 2nd or early 3rd century AD. Five niches are found on each story of the facade, which originally contained statues of the Severan imperial family. An inscription dedicates the fountain to Emperor Septimius Severus, his wife Julia Domna, and their sons, together with Artemis Pergaia.
Planning a trip to Perge needs practical preparation that will make your visit to this ancient marvel worthwhile. Let us share some helpful information to plan your journey and make the most of your Turkey Travel Package.
The ancient city of Perge sits 17 kilometers east of Antalya's city center. Travelers from Antalya can take the T1B tram to Aksu stop and walk 1.5-2 kilometers or grab a taxi to reach the entrance. Side lies about 60 kilometers away, and a 44-minute drive serves as your quickest option. Bus connections between Side and Perge run through Manavgat and Serik, with a journey time of 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Most visitors spend 2-3 hours really exploring Perge. History buffs might want to stay 3-4 hours. The site's size means you'll do plenty of walking to see everything.
The entrance area offers graveled paths that work well for wheelchairs. The interior presents more challenges with its 2000-year-old paving stones and uneven ground. Wheelchair-friendly toilets remain available throughout.
Good walking shoes, light clothes, a hat, and sunglasses will serve you well. The site offers little shade, so sunscreen becomes crucial. Water bottles are a must, especially during summer visits.
These expert tips will help you get the most out of your trip to this ancient Pamphylian city and raise your experience above the typical tourist visit.
The biggest problem visitors face at Perge is the theater visit timing. You should visit the theater before going through the main gate. After buying your ticket, cross the street from the ticket office to reach the theater. This approach makes sense because the staff might not let you use the same ticket twice if you enter the main city first. The top rows give you amazing panoramic views of the archeological site.
The right timing can make your visit special. The site looks its best during the "golden hours" from 5-8 pm when the sun sets. Photos turn out better in early morning or late afternoon. These times also help you avoid the strong midday heat, especially in summer months.
You can make it a full day by adding nearby attractions to your plan. Aspendos sits about 25 miles east of Antalya and has one of the world's best-preserved ancient theaters. The peaceful Kursunlu Waterfall offers another great option. This natural retreat provides beautiful photo opportunities with its green surroundings.
The Antalya Archeology Museum makes a perfect final stop on your trip. It displays many amazing sculptures from Perge. The museum's "Perge room" shows off impressive statues. You'll also find the Emperor's Hall with Roman emperor sculptures that experts call masterpieces of Roman art. The Dancing Woman Sculpture, put together from pieces found at the site, now stands as the museum's symbol.
Perge is famous for its remarkably preserved Roman stadium, Hellenistic gates, and colonnaded streets, reflecting its importance as a key Greco-Roman city in Pamphylia. It was also once a major center for early Christianity.
Absolutely! Perge offers one of the richest ancient city experiences in Turkey, especially for those interested in Roman ruins, archaeology, and classical architecture. It's a peaceful, open-air site ideal for exploring away from the crowds.
Perge is located near Aksu, about 17 kilometers east of Antalya on Turkey’s southwestern coast. It’s easily accessible as a half-day trip from the city.
The ancient city of Perga is now referred to as Perge, which is the modern Turkish name for the same site.
Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours exploring Perge, but history enthusiasts might enjoy staying longer to fully take in the stadium, baths, agora, and acropolis.