Nysa Ancient City Travel Guide: Discover Nysa in Turkey
Nysa Ancient City, located in Sultanhisar district of Aydin, is one of the most impressive archaeological sites of the Aegean Region for travellers who want to trace ancient times. This ancient city, which fascinates its visitors with both its historical and natural beauties, draws attention especially with its Roman ruins and mythological references.
Nysa is not just a ruin site; it is also one of the most important cities of antiquity, once developed in the fields of education, science and culture. If you want to go on a historical journey in the Aegean, this travel guide will be a comprehensive resource for you.
History and Foundation of Nysa Ancient City
Nysa was founded by the Seleucids in the 3rd century BC. It is thought that the founder gave this name to Nysa, the wife of Antiochos, one of the Seleucid commanders who founded the city. The city showed great development, especially during the Roman period.
Strabo, the famous ancient geographer and historian, spent his youth studying in Nysa. This information proves that the city was an important educational centre in ancient times. Nysa stood out with its geography, philosophy and rhetoric education and became a place where many intellectuals were raised.
Cultural and Mythological Importance of the Ancient City of Nysa
Nysa is a city intertwined with ancient Greek mythology. This region, which is mythologically associated with the cult of Dionysus, is considered to be the place where Dionysus (god of wine and entertainment) was raised. It is even rumoured that the name ‘Nysa’ comes from ‘Mount Nysa’, one of the mythological mountains where Dionysus spent his childhood. This gives the city both a religious and cultural dimension.
Historical Buildings to See in Nysa Ancient City
The main structures that you should definitely see during your visit are as follows:
Ancient Theatre
Nysa Theatre, which has a capacity of approximately 12,000 people, is one of the architectural wonders of antiquity. The stage building is very well preserved and the marble workmanship is remarkable.
Bouleuterion (Assembly Building)
This building, where the city administration was held, is one of the most intact buildings. The assembly building was the centre of both political and social life.
Library
This building, which proves that Nysa was an educational centre in ancient times, is thought to be one of the best preserved ancient libraries in Anatolia. The building is likened to the famous Library of Celsus in Ephesus.
Stadion
The 200-metre-long stadium was a venue for athletics and gladiatorial competitions. Today, the seating rows and the race field are clearly visible.
Tunnel and Aqueduct System
The Roman tunnel system, which passes through the middle of two slopes and connects the city, is impressive in terms of engineering. At the same time, the aqueduct structures are still standing and can be visited.
How to get to Nysa Ancient City?
Nysa Ancient City is located within the borders of Sultanhisar district of Aydın province. It is about 30 kilometres from the centre of Aydin. You can easily reach it by using the Izmir-Aydın highway. It is possible to reach Nysa from Izmir with a journey of approximately 2 hours.
For visitors who will use public transportation, there are train and bus services to Sultanhisar. After reaching the district, it is necessary to cover a distance of about 3 kilometres to reach the ancient city. It is possible to reach the area by taxi or on foot.
Visiting Hours and Entrance Fee for Nysa Ancient City
Nysa Ancient City is open to visitors throughout the year. It can usually be visited between 08.00 in the morning and 19.00 in the evening. Hours may vary during summer and winter periods. The entrance fee is € 3. It is free for Museum Card holders. For those who do not have a Museum Card, a nominal entrance fee is charged.
The Best Time to Visit
In the region where the Aegean climate is effective, the summer months are quite hot. Therefore, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the best times to visit the ancient city. Both the weather is milder and the crowds are reduced.
Other Places to See Around Nysa
Having visited the ancient city of Nysa, we recommend that you visit other important points in the immediate vicinity:
Aphrodisias Ancient City: It is located in the Karacasu district of Aydın and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Tralleis Ancient City: Located in the centre of Aydin, this ancient city contains important ruins from the Hellenistic period.
Nazilli Long Bazaar: It is a traditional bazaar where you can stop by for shopping and local products.
Sultanhisar Olive Oil Museum: This museum, where olives, one of the most important agricultural products of the region, are processed with traditional methods, is culturally very informative.
Source: E-gtz ADÜ
Frequently Asked Questions About Nysa Ancient City
To which period does Nysa Ancient City belong?
It was founded in the 3rd century BC during the Seleucid period and developed during the Roman period.
Are excavations still going on in Nysa Ancient City?
Yes, archaeological excavations supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism continue periodically.
Are there guided tours in the ancient city?
Guided tours are organised from time to time, but it can also be visited in detail with the help of information boards and brochures on individual trips.
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