Perge Ancient City

Visiting the ruins of the ancient city of Perge offers a completely different atmosphere compared to the rugged and secluded Termessos. While Termessos is an "eagle's nest" hidden high in the mountains, Perge reveals itself as a brilliant masterpiece of urban planning situated on the fertile plains of Pamphylia. Here, you can walk on grand marble-paved streets and experience the luxury of the Roman Empire through the ingenious water canal system running down the center of the boulevards. Perge is not just an archaeological site; it is an open-air museum of prosperity, where architecture and sculpture blend to create one of the most stunning cities of the ancient world.

Historical Overview:

The history of Perge dates back to the Bronze Age, but the city rose to prominence following the Trojan War. According to legend, the Greek seers Mopsos and Calchas led settlers here after the fall of Troy. Their names have been discovered on statue bases near the city gates, testifying to the heroic origins of the settlement.

In 334 BC, unlike the fierce resistance of Termessos that forced Alexander the Great to move on, the inhabitants of Perge opened their gates to the Macedonian king and surrendered the city without a fight. This saved Perge from destruction, allowing it to flourish during the Hellenistic and later Roman periods. In the 1st century AD, Perge became a significant Christian center, as St. Paul visited the city during his first missionary journey. The city began to decline in the 7th century due to Arab raids and the silting up of the Kestros River (now Aksu), which once connected it to the sea.

Main Attractions:

• The Stadium: Located near the entrance, this is one of the best-preserved ancient stadiums in the world, once seating 12,000 spectators. The vaults beneath the seating area were used as shops during ancient times.

• The Theater: Situated opposite the stadium, the Perge Theater is a fine blend of Greek and Roman architectural styles. It is famous for its exquisite marble reliefs depicting the life of Dionysus, the god of wine.

• The Hellenistic Gate: The symbol of Perge, featuring two massive circular stone towers. This is the only remaining structure from the early Hellenistic period, serving as the gateway to the city’s grand center.

• The Colonnaded Street (Cardo Maximus): The most unique feature of Perge is its main street, stretching hundreds of meters and flanked by marble columns. In the center of the road lies a stone water channel that once provided cool air and fresh water to the citizens.

• Roman Baths and Nymphaeum: Perge’s wealth is evident in its vast Roman baths, featuring advanced hypocaust (underfloor) heating systems. At the northern end of the colonnaded street lies the Nymphaeum (Fountain of the Nymphs), where water once cascaded over divine statues into a large pool.

Travel and Visitation Information:

The ruins of Perge are located approximately 18km east of Antalya city center.

• Opening Hours: Daily, from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM in summer and until 5:30 PM in winter.

• Transportation: You can easily take the tram (Antray) from central Antalya to the final station, "Aksu," followed by a 1.5 km walk or a short taxi ride to the site entrance.

• Advice: The site is extensive with very little shade. Be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water, as the Mediterranean heat can be intense.