Perge Ancient CityPlaces to Visit in Antalya

Perge, an ancient city in Pamphylia, is believed to have been founded between the 12th and 13th centuries BC. Throughout its history, it fell under the control of Lydia and Persia, before surrendering to Alexander the Great in 334 BC. The city’s peak period, however, was during the Roman Empire from the 2nd to 3rd centuries AD.

For centuries, Perge has been a significant Christian pilgrimage site because Saint Paul preached his first sermon here in 46 AD after arriving from Antioch. The city is rich with ancient ruins and archaeological finds that primarily date back to the Hellenistic era.

Visitors have the opportunity to discover the ruins of Perge’s social and cultural landmarks, including a theatre and gymnasium, as well as grand fountains, rectangular columned agoras, towering structures, and broad stone streets flanked by Greek columns. This ancient city has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous civilizations, and its remnants continue to preserve the legacy of those eras.

The ancient city of Perge is rich with captivating historical sites and buildings that reflect its vibrant heritage. Upon entering through the later Roman gate, visitors will notice a Byzantine basilica on the right, followed by rows of majestic columns. Nearby lie the agora on one side and magnificent baths on the other, featuring some of the largest and most exquisite baths in Pamphylia.

The city's defensive walls, dating back to the 3rd century BC, stand as a testament to Perge’s ancient history. These Hellenistic walls include two towers and an ancient gateway. After passing through the Hellenistic gate, visitors will walk along a colonnaded street with the palaestra situated to the left, just north of the acropolis.

The impressive theater is the first landmark encountered when approaching Perge and is located a short distance from the main archaeological area. Behind it lies a large and remarkable stadium, which ranks as one of the city’s most significant ancient structures and is the second largest after the Aphrodisias Stadium in the ancient city of Aphrodisias.

Included on the UNESCO tentative list since 2009, the archaeological site of Perge stands as an exceptional representation of Turkey’s global cultural heritage.