The World Heritage Committee, who met in Krakow last week, added the ancient ruins of Aphrodisias in southwestern Turkey to the UNESCO’s World Heritage List, bringing the total number of UNESCO sites in Turkey to 17.
Aphrodisias
Located in southwest Turkey, Aphrodisias was renowned throughout the Hellenistic and Roman empires for its school of sculpture and art. Comparatively recent excavation work means that most of it’s treasures are still intact, and the on-site museum displays many examples of the monumental statuary produced by the school.
The Temple of Aphrodite
The temple of Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of Love, dates from the 3rd century BCE and the city was built one century later. All that remains of the ancient temple are fourteen of the over forty Ionic columns that once surrounded it and the foundations of the cellar section.
The wealth of Aphrodisias came from the marble quarries and the art produced by its sculptors.
The city streets are arranged around several large civic structures, which include temples, a theatre, an agora (a public open space used for assemblies and markets) and two bath complexes.
Click here to read Aphrodisias: The Lost City of Sculptures on the Turkish Travel Blog
How far away is it?
Depending upon which route you take, Aphrodisias is approximately three to four hours drive from Fethiye. You will need a further three to four hours to spend at the site. You don’t want to miss anything!
It’s well worth a visit if you haven’t been yet.
Two further sites in the United Kingdom and Brazil were also added to the list.
The English Lake District (United Kingdon)
Valongo Wharf Archaeological Site (Brazil)
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