Ancient İzmir with Smyrna, Ephesus and Pergamon
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İzmir province holds three of the Aegean's great ancient cities, and this route puts them in chronological order; the first Smyrna at Bayraklı, the Roman agora in Konak, Ephesus to the south and Pergamon to the north. The city stops and Ephesus fit into one day; leave Pergamon for another, and both you and Pergamon will be happier. A Müzekart works at all three sites and pays for itself on its own.
Route Stops
Bayraklı Mound (Ancient Smyrna)
~30 min hereThe first city from the Bronze Age to the archaic period; ten minutes from İZBAN Bayraklı, thirty minutes to visit, do not count on signage.
Smyrna Agora Archaeological Site.
Give Roman Smyrna an hour. The basement galleries of the basilica will be your coolest stop in summer.
Izmir Archaeology Museum.
Finds from both cities are here; allow forty-five minutes to set the context.
Antique World's Shining Star: Ephesus Ancient City
Take the İZBAN to Selçuk. Enter from the upper gate and allow three hours for the Library of Celsus and the Terrace Houses.
Located in the Selçuk district of İzmir, the Ancient City of Ephesus is a unique destination for history enthusiasts and travelers, being one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. With a rich history dating back to the 10th century BC, Ephesus is a port city that has witnessed the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods.
The most famous structure associated with Ephesus is the Library of Celsus. Built during the Roman period, this impressive building captivates visitors with its massive columns and intricate decorations. Once home to over 12,000 books, this library held great significance as a center of science and culture in its time.
In addition, the Great Theatre in Ephesus is one of the largest theatres of the ancient world. With a capacity of approximately 25,000 people, it was used for gladiator fights and theatrical performances during the Roman period. Today, this structure, still used for concerts and events, showcases the grandeur of the ancient era.
Also in Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis was an enormous structure considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Although only its ruins have survived to this day, the temple's splendor is praised in ancient sources.
Additionally, structures such as the Temple of Hadrian, the Trajan Fountain, the Odeon, and the Agora are among the important works that complement the enchanting atmosphere of Ephesus. Walking on the stone streets of the city, you feel as if you are embarking on a journey back two thousand years.
Pergamon Acropolis.
Set aside a separate day for this. Ride the cable car to the top and see the steep theatre and the Temple of Trajan; the wind comes free.
Asclepius.
The ancient healing centre in the Bergama afternoon; the sacred way and the dream tunnel, go after 4 p.m.
