While living in Turkey, I have come to appreciate the long history it has to offer. With over 17 UNESCO Heritage sites throughout the country, you will most likely come across one or more of them while traveling in Turkey.

As we set out on our cross-country travels of Turkey, we decided to see the picturesque mountains of Burdur and the ruins of Sagalassos. The stunning view and the splendid architecture spread-out across Mount Akdag are both serene and mind-bending and should be on your list to visit.

It is believed that the reason for the location on the slope of the mountain was for defense reasons. Despite the high elevation, the city was plotted on the south side of the mountain to take advantage of the warm sunny days.

Throughout Sagalassos’ existence, it endured many challenging situations such as the devastations of earthquakes, the plague, the Arab raids, and, eventually, the economic downfall. Before being conquered by Alexander the Great in 333 BC, it was considered one of Pisidia’s most important urban centers.

Sagalassos became a vast export center for pottery and agricultural products. The rich fertile lands provide a high production of olives and grains, and clay, making them the leader in pottery manufacturing.

As you walk through the ancient city, you question how the people could build such an elaborate structure. Researchers of urban development have written articles about Sagalassos being one of the most well-designed cities considering the terrain’s challenges.

Interestingly, the advanced engineering design found of the drain system was placed around buildings so that the floods and melting snow would not deteriorate the building structure. Another exciting find was their utilization of natural resources such as water by collecting, distributing, and recycling water with an overall complex system that served the entire city.

Antonine Fountain

One of the most striking structures is located in the north of the Upper Agora. Built by a wealthy Roman during 160-180 AD during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius and dedicated to the God Dionysus. The water pouring from the center of the fountain, appearing like a waterfall, accumulates in a small pool below. The water is from a spring of approximately 200m above.

Theater

Built-in the 2nd century AD is located on the eastern side of the city. Sagalassos theater is one of the highest altitude theaters in the world. Most of the theater seats, which were damaged in two major earthquakes, are still intact.

Heroon

The Heroon, also known as the Heroes Monument, was built in honor of heroes. The Heroon, which is decorated with a sculpture of dancing girl figures, is located on the Antonine Fountain’s west side.

Upper Agora

The agora, built in front of the Antonine fountain, was used for political discussions in the Roman period but later used as a marketplace.

Roman Bath

There are two halls in the hammam built as a large complex. During the Roman Empire, various ceremonies were held in these halls, such as awarding the winners in sports competitions.

Doric Temple

During the short reign of Amyntas, a fountain house of Greek-style was built in the city’s rapidly expanding eastern domestic quarter. It captured the water of a local aquifer. This temple was said to have been dedicated to the Greek goddess Zeus.

The Apollo of Karlios Temple

The former sanctuary of Apollo Klarios is situated to the west of the Lower Agora, atop a natural hill., The architectural remains on the terrace indicate that this was probably surrounding a central sanctuary. The temple was named the Apollo due to the belief that he was victorious in Caesar’s murders, representing the virtues of the old Greek and Roman civilization. The choice of the temple’s placement, overlooking the agoras, so that the agora became a kind of forecourt of the shrine. After the fifth century, the temple was converted into a Christian basilica.

How to Get There

Car: From D650 (Antalya road to Burdur), head east. If traveling from the south, you will take D685, and from the north, it will be to the city of Ağlasun. Once in the city of Ağlasun, you will see signage for Sagalassos. Travel time is approximately 3 hours.

Bus: Take a coach bus to Burdur and then a minibus to Aglasun. A windy hike up 7.5km to Sagalassos.

What to Bring:

Bottled water (although you can purchase from small vendors nearby)

Walking Shoes

Sunglasses

Hat

Sunscreen

Camera