Anatolian lands have been home to countless civilisations since prehistoric times, leaving us with a unique cultural heritage. Open-air museums scattered across Turkey offer a chance to travel back in time. In these areas where nature and history intertwine, fascinating discoveries await culture, archaeology, adventure and nature lovers alike. If you're ready, let's set out together to explore Turkey's must-see open-air museums.
Located in Güllük Mountain National Park, north of Antalya, at an altitude of approximately 1,050 metres above sea level, the ancient city of Termessos is in such an impressive location that it is known as the ‘eagle's nest’. Founded by the Solym people, one of the oldest peoples of Anatolia, the city stood out in history for its resistance, refusing to surrender despite Alexander the Great's siege.
Its temples, extensive burial grounds and tomb reliefs are quite impressive. However, the most striking structure is its theatre, with its breathtaking view. The gymnasium, Alketas Tomb, Hadrian's Gate, Temple of Artemis, walls, cisterns, agora and arches are just a few of the structures worth seeing. While exploring Termessos, you will witness both history and the natural riches of the Mediterranean.
Nemrut Mountain, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987, is located in the Kahta district of Adıyaman. These monumental statues, built by King Antiochus I of Commagene to show his gratitude to the gods and his ancestors, adorn the summit of the 2,150-metre-high mountain.
Standing approximately 8-10 metres tall, the statues represent a synthesis of Hellenistic and Persian cultures. Watching the sunrise and sunset becomes a mystical experience in the presence of these monumental statues. Be sure to add Nemrut to your itinerary on your next visit to Turkey.
Located within the boundaries of Behramkale village in the Ayvacık district of Çanakkale, the ancient city of Assos is built on a rocky hill overlooking the Aegean Sea. Founded by Aeolian colonists in the 7th century BC, this ancient city enchants visitors with its historical and natural beauty. The fact that Aristotle established a philosophy school here sheds light on Assos' intellectual past.
The Temple of Athena in the city was built in the Doric order and has one of the most beautiful views of the Aegean. This temple is considered the symbol of Assos. The agora, theatre, necropolis, walls and stone-paved roads leading to the agora are other structures worth seeing in the ancient city. The theatre, in particular, offers visitors a unique atmosphere with its sea view location.
When you visit Assos, you can embark on an archaeological journey and stay in stone houses by the sea to enjoy the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere of Behramkale. Assos, one of the rare places where history and nature blend so elegantly, is among the open-air museums in Turkey that are a must-see.
Cappadocia, which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1985, is an extraordinary region where nature and history intertwine. This geography, which covers the provinces of Nevşehir, Aksaray, Niğde, Kayseri and Kırşehir, is famous for its fairy chimneys formed by volcanic eruptions.
This region, which served as a refuge for Christians from the 7th to the 13th centuries, attracts attention with its fresco-decorated churches and underground cities. With many activities such as horse riding, hot air ballooning and nature walks, Cappadocia offers both a historical and natural experience.
Located in the Datça district of Muğla, at the point where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet, the ancient city of Knidos was an important trade centre in ancient times due to its two separate harbours and strategic location. The northern harbour was used for military purposes, while the southern harbour was used for commercial purposes.
The Acropolis, walls, Demeter Sanctuary, and Great Theatre are among the structures worth seeing. Accessible by land or boat, Knidos offers an unforgettable experience of watching the sunset and visiting the Deveboynu Lighthouse.
Another important stop where natural and cultural heritage come together is Pamukkale - Hierapolis Archaeological Site. Located right next to Pamukkale, famous for its white travertines, the ancient city of Hierapolis is home to ruins from the late Hellenistic and early Christian periods.
Hierapolis is known as the ‘holy city’ because of its healing hot springs. The city, which flourished during the Roman period, features a theatre, the Temple of Apollo, columned streets and a necropolis. Don't forget to visit the Hierapolis Museum, swim in the Cleopatra Pool and see the colourful travertines of Karahayıt.
Hattusa, the capital of the Hittite Empire, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986. This magnificent ancient city in the Boğazkale district of Çorum showcases the advanced art and architecture of the Hittites.
The King's Gate, Lion's Gate, city walls, Great Palace, and temples are among the main structures. The open-air temple of Yazılıkaya, located just outside the city, showcases the pinnacle of Hittite stonework with its reliefs of gods and goddesses. Hattuşa and Yazılıkaya are open-air museums that will captivate history enthusiasts.
Afrodisias, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2017, is located in the province of Aydın and is one of Turkey's most impressive archaeological sites. With a history dating back to the 5th millennium BC, Afrodisias has gained fame as a centre for sculpture.
The Temple of Aphrodite, the 30,000-seat stadium, monumental gates, baths, Odeon and Hall of Emperors are all very well preserved. In addition, the Aphrodisias Museum in the city, which houses one of the first seven churches in Anatolia, displays the finest examples of marble sculpture.
Known today as Kaleköy, Simena is a unique Lycian city accessible only by sea. This ancient city, which has been inhabited since the 4th century BC, stands out for its magnificent natural beauty intertwined with the sea.
Simena Castle, a 300-seat theatre, water cisterns and rock tombs are noteworthy. The Lycian-style sarcophagi in the necropolis area to the northeast of the castle are quite impressive. Simena offers traces of the past in an environment integrated with nature.
Located in the village of Oğuzlar in Mardin, the ancient city of Dara is known as one of the most important trade centres in Mesopotamia. This city, which attracts attention with its structures carved into the rock, is full of ruins from the Roman period.
Structures such as churches, palaces, dungeons, artillery factories and water reservoirs showcase Dara's architectural richness. The rock tombs located to the east of the city offer a fascinating open-air museum experience. Dara is an impressive heritage site that has been home to many civilisations throughout history.