Tralleis Ancient City Travel Guide: Discover Tralleis City in Turkey
When you think of the Aegean Region, the first places that come to mind are usually Ephesus, Pergamon or Miletus. However, just north of Aydin city centre, an eye-catching ancient city that has hosted many civilisations throughout history is quietly waiting for its visitors: Tralleis Ancient City. This ancient city, which dates back from the Roman Empire to Byzantium, from the Hellenistic period to the Ottoman influence, is almost an open-air museum for both history buffs and those who want to make a cultural trip in touch with nature.
Historical Depths of the Ancient City of Tralleis
Tralleis (or Tralles) has a long history dating back to the 13th century BC. According to ancient sources, the city was founded by Argosians and Thracians. It takes its name from these two peoples: Tralleis with the combination of the words ‘Thracian’ and ‘Lys’. The city showed great cultural and economic development especially in the Hellenistic Period.
During the Roman period, it lived its golden age. The famous Roman geographer Strabo wrote that Tralleis was a highly developed city in terms of wealth and culture. At the same time, this city raised important names in the fields of medicine, mathematics and philosophy in ancient times. The best known of these is the ancient medical scholar Andromakhos. Tralleis was also at the forefront in the field of sculpture; it is known that many important marble works were produced in this city.
What will you see in the ancient city of Tralleis?
The most striking ruin that can be seen in Tralleis today is the Three-Eyed Monumental Structure, the surviving arched entrance of the Roman Gymnasium (Sports and Education Hall) structure. This impressive ruin has become the symbol of the ancient city. Behind the arched structure are the remains of the Roman baths, water channels and agora area.
There are also traces of agora, theatre, baths, stoa (columned gallery) and necropolis (cemetery) in the city. However, today, most of these remains have not yet been fully unearthed. Tralleis still has many mysteries waiting to be discovered through excavations.
Mythological and Cultural Importance of Tralleis
Tralleis has a rich history not only in historical terms but also in a mythological sense. It is mentioned that there were temples dedicated to gods such as Apollo, Zeus and Artemis in the ancient period. Especially the cult of Artemis was quite common in the Aydın region and it is thought that there were places of worship belonging to this goddess in Tralleis.
The city also had a large and important arena to host gladiator fights during the Roman period. This shows us that Tralleis was not only an intellectual but also a lively city in terms of public entertainment.
How to get to the ancient city of Tralleis?
Tralleis Ancient City is located only 1-2 kilometres north of Aydın city centre. So it is possible to reach it even on foot from the city centre. You can reach Tralleis by minibuses departing from Aydın Bus Station. In addition, if you want to go by private car, it will be enough to type ‘Tralleis Ancient City’ on Google Maps. Direction signs on the road will also guide you. There is no charge at the entrance and the city is open to visitors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Places to See Around Tralleis
Aydın and its surroundings are extremely rich in ancient cities. Other important points that you can add to your route after visiting Tralleis include the following:
Nysa Ancient City (in Sultanhisar district, about 30 km away)
Aphrodisias Ancient City (in Karacasu district, about 90 km away)
Miletus, Priene and Didyma Trio (near Söke district of Aydın, 60-70 km away)
In addition, Aydın Archaeological Museum, located in Aydın city centre, is a must-visit for you to see some of the artefacts unearthed from Tralleis.
Best Time to Visit Tralleis
The most suitable periods to visit the ancient city of Tralleis are spring and autumn. The scorching heat of the Aegean in the summer months can make such historical excursions in the open field difficult. In spring, you can make a calm and pleasant discovery in touch with nature. Especially in April-May, the city is adorned with colourful flowers and offers an ideal atmosphere for those who want to take photos.
Photography and Nature in Tralleis
Tralleis offers a visual feast for photography enthusiasts. Especially at sunset, the dramatic light plays in the shadow of the Three-Eyed Structure is mesmerising. The hills around the city form a beautiful trail for those who want to take a nature walk. In addition, the olive groves around the city offer idyllic views reflecting the typical Aegean nature.
Things to Know and Visitor Suggestions
Although guided tours are not yet organised regularly, information can be obtained from the staff of the Aydın Archaeological Museum or the tourism information office in Aydın.
There are no commercial establishments such as cafes or buffets in the area, so be sure to take water and snacks with you.
Since the city is an area open to archaeological excavations today, some areas may be surrounded by lanes. You should not enter these areas.
The area where Tralleis is located has been the target of treasure hunters from time to time, so there are security cameras and warning signs in the area. A respectful and careful visit is important.
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