AntalyaPerge Ancient City
Perge is an ancient city located in Antalya Province, Turkey. The city is about 18 km (11 mi) from the city of Antalya. Perge was founded in the 7th century BC by the people of Argos. The city was captured by the Persians in the 5th century BC, and by Alexander the Great in 333 BC. In the 2nd century BC, Perge became part of the Kingdom of Pergamon. The city was captured by the Romans in 133 BC, and by the Byzantines in the 5th century AD. The city was an important center of Christianity in the early years of the Church. St. Paul preached in the city in 46 AD, and St. Peter and St. John also visited the city. The city declined in importance in the 7th century AD, and was abandoned in the 8th century. The city was excavated in the 20th century.
Perge Ancient City ranks among Turkey’s most impressive archaeological sites, sprawling across a wide plain near modern Aksu in Antalya province. Once a thriving metropolis of the Pamphylian region, it preserves an extraordinary collection of monuments spanning Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine eras. A visit here transports you straight into the streets of a 2,000-year-old city.
History & Significance
Perge was settled as early as the Bronze Age, with Greek colonists arriving after the Trojan War around 1200 BC. The city reached its golden age under the Roman Empire in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, when wealthy benefactors funded its grand fountains, baths, and gateways. The famous female benefactor Plancia Magna reshaped much of the city’s monumental architecture during this period. Perge was also an important early Christian site, visited by the Apostle Paul during his missionary journeys.
What to See
The highlight is the long colonnaded main street, flanked by columns and once cooled by a central water channel running its full length. Don’t miss the massive Roman stadium, one of the best preserved in Anatolia, which could seat around 12,000 spectators. The Hellenistic Gate with its twin round towers, the elegant Nymphaeum (monumental fountain), the agora with its central rotunda, and the well-preserved Roman baths are all unmissable.
Many of Perge’s finest statues and sculptures, including the celebrated Weary Hercules, are now displayed in the nearby Antalya Archaeological Museum, making a combined visit highly rewarding for history lovers.
Pro Tip: Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water and a sun hat — the site is large, exposed, and the marble paths can be slippery. Allow at least two hours to explore properly.
Visitor Tips & Practical Info
Perge is open daily, typically from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM in summer and until around 5:30 PM in winter. The entrance fee is approximately €20, though prices may vary slightly by season; the Türkiye Museum Pass is also valid here. The best time to visit is spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October) when temperatures are mild and crowds thinner.
Photography is permitted freely throughout the open-air site, and there are no dress restrictions as this is an archaeological park rather than a religious site. Facilities are basic, so bring snacks if needed.
Nearby Attractions
Perge pairs perfectly with the nearby theatres of Aspendos and Side, often combined in a single day trip such as the Full Day Tour to Perge, Aspendos, Side and Waterfall. For travelers exploring wider Turkey, the dazzling white terraces of the Pamukkale Travertines make an excellent complementary destination further inland.
🎫 Tours that visit Perge Ancient City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Perge Ancient City worth visiting?
Absolutely. Perge is one of Turkey’s best-preserved Roman cities, featuring a stunning colonnaded street, a huge stadium, baths, and monumental gateways. History lovers and casual visitors alike find it a rewarding and atmospheric half-day excursion from Antalya.
How much does Perge Ancient City cost?
Entrance to Perge costs approximately €20 per person, though prices may vary by season. The Türkiye Museum Pass is also accepted, which can save money if you plan to visit multiple ancient sites in the Antalya region.
How long should I spend at Perge Ancient City?
Plan for at least two hours to explore the colonnaded street, stadium, baths, and agora properly. Those with a deep interest in archaeology or photography may want to allow up to three hours, especially during cooler parts of the day.
What is the best time to visit Perge Ancient City?
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the most comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. In summer, visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense midday heat, as the site is large and largely unshaded.