Sagalassos Ancient City Antalya
Discover Sagalassos, a remarkably preserved ancient Roman city in Turkey, offering stunning architecture and breathtaking views with few crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, blooming nature
Sagalassos Ancient City Antalya
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, blooming nature
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Sagalassos, a remarkably preserved ancient Roman city in Turkey, offering stunning architecture and breathtaking views with few crowds.
"This is the emptiest Ancient Roman Ruins I saw during my whole tour of Turkey."
🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom
Having your own vehicle offers the most flexibility for reaching Sagalassos and exploring the region.
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Especially during warmer months, carry plenty of water as there are limited facilities on-site.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Antonine Nymphaeum
Main Street
A magnificent two-story fountain, once a vibrant centerpiece of Roman public life.
Temple of Hadrian
Upper Agora
Impressive ruins of a temple dedicated to Emperor Hadrian, showcasing intricate stonework.
Roman Baths
Lower City
Explore the well-preserved remains of the Roman baths, offering a glimpse into ancient daily routines.
Theater
South Slope
A grand theater with stunning views, once hosting performances for thousands of spectators.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Getting There: Plan Your Journey
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom
Having your own vehicle offers the most flexibility for reaching Sagalassos and exploring the region.
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Especially during warmer months, carry plenty of water as there are limited facilities on-site.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The ancient city involves a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Good footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Visit Early or Late
To avoid the intense midday sun and enjoy a more peaceful experience, plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom
Having your own vehicle offers the most flexibility for reaching Sagalassos and exploring the region.
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Especially during warmer months, carry plenty of water as there are limited facilities on-site.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The ancient city involves a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Good footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Visit Early or Late
To avoid the intense midday sun and enjoy a more peaceful experience, plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be spotty in the area, so having offline maps on your phone is highly recommended. :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sagalassos Ancient City is lauded as a remarkably well-preserved and uncrowded historical gem, offering a profound glimpse into Roman urban life. Visitors praise its stunning architecture, particularly the Nymphaeum and theater, and the breathtaking panoramic views. While the journey requires some planning, the peaceful atmosphere and historical depth make it a highly rewarding experience for those seeking an authentic ancient site.
"Very cool! We're so glad we made the trip. Very extensive site and the reconstruction is impressive. The information center was also pretty good. The ride up and views are impressive as well. Trails inside are either being updated or are in serious need of attention but we still enjoyed our walk. It's quite a big place and based on the model it was much much bigger during its peak. It was a hot day but there was some shade, next time I would go early."
Robert Quinn
"We visited Sagalassos Ancient City using the Museum Pass, which made entrance easy and quick. There’s a free car park and a small gift shop at the entrance, which was a nice touch.
The views were absolutely stunning – the site is located high up in the Taurus Mountains, and you can see beautiful scenery all around. Walking among the ruins of the Roman theatre, the Antonine Fountain, and the agora really makes you feel the history of the place. It’s one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Turkey, and yet it’s not crowded like many other tourist spots.
The site still needs some improvements, especially the pathways, which can be uneven and challenging in places – not ideal for people with mobility issues or small children. When we went, it was right before the Anadolu Ateşi show, and there were a lot of last-minute setups and fixes going on, which made things feel a bit chaotic.
Despite that, I would highly recommend visiting this open-air museum. It's a unique blend of natural beauty and ancient history. Just make sure to go during cooler times of the day, like in the late afternoon, because it can get very hot under the sun, and there’s limited shade."
M. YILDIRIM
"Beautiful area! Definitely one of the less traveled spots. Which has advantages and disadvantages. There were not as many people, and you could have nearly full access to the sites which was nice. There is ongoing construction around many sites with open pits and equipment laying around. Anyone with mobility restrictions will have a hard time as there is a lot of climbing uneven stairs, and most walkways look like they have been under construction for a long time. Well worth the visit!"
Noah Vaughan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way to reach Sagalassos Ancient City from Antalya is by renting a car, which takes about 2 hours. Public transport involves taking a bus to Aglasun (not Bucak, as direct buses to Bucak are not recommended for this route) from Antalya, Burdur, or Isparta, and then arranging local transport to the site.
Yes, Sagalassos Ancient City can be visited as a day trip from Antalya, especially if you have a rental car. It's about a 2-hour drive each way, leaving ample time to explore the ruins.
If you don't have a car, your best bet is to take a bus from Antalya to Aglasun. From Aglasun, you'll need to find local transport, such as a taxi or a pre-arranged ride, to get to the ancient city itself.
While not as common as tours to other major sites, some local tour operators in Antalya may offer private or small-group tours to Sagalassos. It's worth inquiring with your hotel or local travel agencies.
Sagalassos Ancient City is located approximately 35-40 kilometers (about 22-25 miles) north of Burdur. It's a much closer option if you are staying in or traveling through Burdur.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Sagalassos Ancient City typically opens around 8:00 AM and closes at 7:00 PM during the summer months (April to October). Winter hours are usually shorter, closing around 5:00 PM. It's always best to check the latest official hours before your visit.
Admission fees for Sagalassos Ancient City are generally quite affordable. As of recent information, the entrance fee is around 70 Turkish Lira (TRY), which is less than £2. Prices can change, so it's advisable to confirm on-site.
Currently, there isn't a widely advertised online ticketing system for Sagalassos Ancient City. Tickets are typically purchased at the entrance upon arrival.
Sagalassos is often described as a 'hidden gem' and is significantly less crowded than more famous ancient sites in Turkey. You can often explore its ruins with very few other visitors, especially if you go early.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or children, though specific details are best confirmed at the ticket office. A Museum Pass Turkey might also grant access to Sagalassos if it's included in the pass's network.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Sagalassos boasts impressive ruins including the Antonine Nymphaeum, the Temple of Hadrian, Roman baths, a well-preserved theater, and various agoras and residential areas, offering a comprehensive look at Roman urban life.
To fully appreciate Sagalassos Ancient City, allocate at least 2-3 hours for exploration. This allows time to wander through the main areas, admire the architecture, and soak in the panoramic views.
Basic facilities such as restrooms are usually available at the entrance of Sagalassos Ancient City. Food and drink options are very limited on-site, so it's recommended to bring your own snacks and water.
Sagalassos has uneven terrain and steep inclines, particularly around the theater and upper areas. While the lower sections are more accessible, visitors with mobility issues may find it challenging to explore the entire site.
Start from the lower city and work your way up towards the theater and upper agora. This allows you to gradually ascend and enjoy the unfolding vistas. Wear sturdy shoes and take your time to absorb the history.
📸 📸 Photography
The Antonine Nymphaeum, the theater with its panoramic views, and the well-preserved Roman baths offer fantastic photographic opportunities. The overall landscape and the scale of the ruins are also incredibly photogenic.
Yes, photography is generally allowed throughout Sagalassos Ancient City for personal use. Drones may require special permits, so check local regulations if you plan to use one.
The 'golden hours' – early morning and late afternoon – provide the most beautiful light for photography, casting long shadows and highlighting the textures of the ancient stones.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the site management before flying a drone at Sagalassos Ancient City to ensure you comply with any restrictions.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ruins and landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the architecture. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light photography during golden hours. :camerawithflash:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring plenty of snacks and water, as facilities are minimal. Consider making it a shorter visit if younger children tire easily. The sheer scale of the ancient structures can spark curiosity, making it a memorable educational outing.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Consider joining a small group tour if you prefer company or want guided insights. Otherwise, armed with a good map and some historical context, you can easily spend hours discovering the city's secrets at your own pace.
🚗 Road Trippers
Combine your visit with stops in nearby towns like Burdur for a more comprehensive regional experience. The journey to Sagalassos offers a chance to see more of Turkey's diverse landscapes beyond the typical tourist trails.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Sagalassos
Archaeological excavations have revealed a rich history, with evidence of Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. The city was known for its skilled artisans and its strategic location. Despite periods of decline and natural disasters, Sagalassos continued to be inhabited for centuries, leaving behind a remarkable archaeological legacy that offers a window into ancient life.
Architectural Marvels of Sagalassos
The Roman Baths are another highlight, offering a glimpse into the daily rituals of ancient inhabitants. The theater, carved into the hillside, is remarkably well-preserved and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. These structures, along with numerous other temples, agoras, and residential buildings, paint a vivid picture of a sophisticated ancient metropolis.
Visiting Sagalassos: A Traveler's Perspective
Tips from visitors emphasize the importance of comfortable footwear due to the uneven terrain and the need to bring plenty of water, particularly during warmer months. The panoramic views from the higher sections of the city are frequently mentioned as a highlight, making the climb worthwhile. The lack of extensive tourist infrastructure adds to its authentic charm, allowing for a more personal connection with the ancient past.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit