We have always known Turkey as a beautiful coastal country in the middle of two continents, having captivating landscapes, amazing activities, and fascinating history. Though, Turkey has seen many conflicts and battles and yet risen from the ashes to build it’s own Ottoman Empire in the past. Here we are going to talk about the UNESCO heritage sites residing on the land of Turkey and as per record, there are 19 such sites in the country. 17 out of them are cultural sites and others are of mixed significance. It depends on your interest, whether it’s in history or culture or you simply want to witness some of the most hypnotic places on earth, Turkey UNESCO World Heritage Sites are worth a visit.
The 19 Turkey UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Exploring Rich History and Cultural Marvels
Turkey, a country where history is intertwined into the fabric of the present welcomes' tourists with open arms and charismatic vistas. With a centuries-long cultural past, this country is home to a stunning collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Turkey, with its historic towns and spectacular natural beauties, provides travelers with an immersive experience unlike any other. Let's take a virtual trip around the Turkey UNESCO World Heritage Sites that highlight the extraordinary past and present.
- Historic Areas of Istanbul - Istanbul
- Goreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia - Cappadocia region
- Ephesus - Izmir Province
- Hierapolis-Pamukkale - Denizli Province
- Archaeological Site of Troy - Canakkale Province
- Aphrodisias - Aydin Province
- Archaeological Site of Ani - Kars Province
- Arslantepe Mound - Malatya Province
- Bursa And Cumalikizik – Birth of the Ottoman Empire - Bursa Province
- Nemrut Dag - Adiyaman Province
- City Of Safranbolu - Karabuk Province
- Diyarbakır Fortress and Hevsel Gardens Cultural Landscape - Diyarbakir Province
- Gobekli Tepe - Sanliurfa Province
- Great Mosque and Hospital of Divrigi - Sivas Province
- Hattusha - Corum Province
- Neolithic Site of Catalhoyuk - Konya Province
- Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape - Izmir Province
- Selimiye Mosque and its Social Complex - Edirne Province
- Xanthos-Letoon - Antalya Province
1. Historic Areas of Istanbul - Istanbul
Istanbul has always been the capital of Turkey in different frames of time, letting it have a collection of world heritage sites in Istanbul. When it was known as Constantinople, it worked as the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire and later, the Ottoman Empire and this is the reason you can see monuments and ruins from the Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations and the succeeders. The Blue Mosque, the harem at Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome of Constantine, and Chora Church will be on the list of your favorite places to visit in Istanbul.
Location: Istanbul
How to Reach: Easily accessible from the international airport via cab, taxi, bus, or train.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for exploration.
Facilities: Numerous hotels, guided tours, eateries, and parking facilities.
Activities: Immerse yourself in captivating sightseeing of iconic landmarks.
Famous For: Rich history, diverse culture, and architectural treasures.
Things to Do: Explore Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and more.
Nearby Attractions: Sultanahmet Square, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar.
Places to Stay: Sultanahmet Palace Hotel, Hotel Amira Istanbul.
Places to Eat: Matbah Restaurant, Deraliye Ottoman Cuisine.
Shopping: Shop for souvenirs at the Grand Bazaar and bustling local markets.
2. Goreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia: Cappadocia Region
Prepare to be amazed by Cappadocia's bizarre landscape. This park is a genuine marvel, with fairy chimneys and rock-carved chapels. For an adventure in Turkey, you may take a hot air balloon trip over this beautiful countryside to see the sunrise. I am sure that you must have seen this spellbinding place on tv or must have read blogs about how hot air balloons in Cappadocia fly over the Gorem National Park. If you have watched the movie, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2011), you would have seen the magical rock formations sculpted entirely by erosion. The valleys are dotted with fairy chimneys and remnants of cave dwellings and underground towns, as well as Byzantine art dating back to the fourth century.
Location: Cappadocia
How to Reach: Reachable from major cities by bus or car.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather; hot air balloon rides are popular.
Facilities: Range of hotels, guided tours, eateries, and parking.
Activities: Explore unique rock formations, and take hot air balloon rides.
Famous For: Extraordinary landscapes and underground cities.
Things to Do: Visit Goreme Open-Air Museum, hike in Rose Valley.
Nearby Attractions: Uchisar Castle, Pasabag Fairy Chimneys.
Places to Stay: Sultan Cave Suites, Museum Hotel.
Places to Eat: Dibek Restaurant, Seten Anatolian Cuisine.
Shopping: Local handicrafts, ceramics, and textiles.
Suggested Read: Top Beaches In Turkey That Surprise Travelers With Their Serenity
3. Ephesus: Izmir Province
Follow along in the footsteps of the ancient Romans in Ephesus, a superbly preserved archaeological site. It was among the 12 cities of the Ionian League during the Roman Era and the second largest city of the Roman Empire. Among the features that bring this ancient city to life are the Library of Celsus, Temple of Artemis, and the Great Theatre. Ephesus has been a center of trade between Europe and Asia, and this is the reason it carries the cultural heritage of Turkey.
Location: Izmir Province
How to Reach: Accessible by car, bus, and train; the nearest airport is Izmir.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for pleasant weather.
Facilities: Various hotels, guided tours, eateries, and parking.
Activities: Discover well-preserved ancient ruins and archaeological sites.
Famous For: Ancient Roman city with the Library of Celsus and Great Theater.
Things to Do: Explore the Temple of Artemis, House of the Virgin Mary.
Nearby Attractions: Sirince Village, Temple of Serapis.
Places to Stay: Charisma De Luxe Hotel, Nisanyan Hotel.
Places to Eat: Cinaralti Restaurant, Ejder Restaurant.
Shopping: Local handicrafts, carpets, and spices.
Suggested Read: Best Islands In Turkey Offering A Tranquil Escape Into Nature
4. Hierapolis-Pamukkale: Denizli Province
Pamukkale combines nature and history, with magnificent white terraces produced by calcium deposits from hot springs that one should surely visit as this is one of the most romantic places to travel while on honeymoon in Turkey. Atop these rocks, explore the ancient city of Hierapolis and bask in the restorative hot springs. So, if you want to know the significance of why these two combine as one, let me tell you Hierapolis was once a thermal spa city during the kingdom of Phrygia, which was located on the hot springs of Pamukkale. If you want to witness one of the well-preserved ruins in the country, Hierapolis, an ancient Greco-Roman city, is among those ancient historical sites in Turkey. The highlights of this site are the theater and the cascading waterfalls.
Location: Denizli Province
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Denizli; accessible by car or bus.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall; avoid mid-summer for high temperatures.
Facilities: Hotels, guided tours, eateries, and parking.
Activities: Witness the stunning white terraces and ancient thermal pools.
Famous For: Unique travertine terraces and Hierapolis ancient city.
Things to Do: Bathe in Cleopatra's Pool, visit the Hierapolis Archaeology Museum.
Nearby Attractions: Laodikeia, Aphrodisias.
Places to Stay: Richmond Pamukkale Thermal Hotel, Hierapark Thermal Hotel.
Places to Eat: Pamukkale Kasesi, Tripolis Restaurant.
Shopping: Souvenirs, textiles, local products.
5. Archaeological Site of Troy: Canakkale Province
Uncover the myths and legends of Troy, the ancient city immortalized by Homer's "Iliad that contains over 4000 years old history." Wander through its ruins and let your imagination transport you to the time of ancient heroes and epic battles. Troy had become the interest of people because of the epic historical war movie Troy made in 2004, directed by Wolfgang Petersen. If you want to know about the famous Trojan War, let me tell you, it was fought for the sake of love. Paris of Troy wanted to marry Helen, the queen of Sparta, so he subsequently abducted Helen to Tory, and this provoked the Trojan War. UNESCO has added it to the list of World Heritage Sites because of the enormous ruins, which are regarded as the most significant evidence of the initial meeting between Anatolian and Mediterranean civilizations.
Location: Canakkale Province
How to Reach: Reachable by car, bus, or ferry from Canakkale.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall; mild weather for exploring.
Facilities: Limited hotels, guided tours, eateries, and parking.
Activities: Explore the legendary city of Troy and its ruins.
Famous For: The mythical city from the Trojan War.
Things to Do: Visit the Troy Museum, see the replica of the Wooden Horse.
Nearby Attractions: Gallipoli Peninsula, Assos Ancient City.
Places to Stay: Anzac Hotel, Grand Eceabat Hotel.
Places to Eat: Troy Restaurant, Kardesler Restaurant.
Shopping: Local crafts, traditional items.
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Istanbul, Turkey For All The History And Architecture Lovers
6. Aphrodisias, an Ancient Greek City: Aydin Province
Being at the border of Greece, this heritage site was an ancient Greek city then located in southwestern Turkey. As the name suggests, this city was named after Goddess Aphrodite and thus was a center of art and culture dedicated to the goddess. Talking of the location of the site, it was built on a plateau in two parts: the Acropolis, which has temples and public buildings, and the lower town, which used to be the markets and residential areas. The main attractions of the Acropolis are the Temple of Aphrodite, Tetrapylon (a monumental gateway), the Stadium, and the Theater. The well-preserved sculptures and architecture of the city gain it the popularity of being important archaeological sites in Turkey.
Location: Aydin Province
How to Reach: Accessible by car or bus; the nearest airport is Izmir.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for milder temperatures.
Facilities: Limited hotels, guided tours, eateries, and parking.
Activities: Explore the well-preserved ancient city dedicated to Aphrodite.
Famous For: Its well-preserved Greco-Roman ruins and impressive stadium.
Things to Do: Admire the Sebasteion, visit the Aphrodisias Museum.
Nearby Attractions: Karacasu, Geyre.
Places to Stay: Ozbek Han Hotel, Cinaralti Pansiyon.
Places to Eat: Artemis Restaurant, Aydin Ev Yemekleri.
Shopping: Local crafts, ceramics.
Suggested Read: Shopping In Turkey: Top Bazaars & Things To Buy
7. Archaeological Site of Ani: Kars Province
Ani was a medieval city along the Silk Road, known for its stunning architecture, including churches, mosques, and city walls. The site reflects the cultural exchange between different civilizations from the 10th and 11th centuries. You can visit this site on the border of Armenia, only if you have a heart of a keen explorer. The ruins that you can see today are the results of a massive earthquake and Mongol invasions. The citadel and the remnants of several palaces and churches, the outer citadel, the region outside the city walls, and the rock-carved monuments on Bostanlar Creek are all listed by UNESCO.
Location: Kars Province
How to Reach: Accessible by car; nearest major city is Kars.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall; avoid harsh winters.
Facilities: Limited accommodation, guided tours, and basic facilities.
Activities: Discover the abandoned medieval city with stunning architecture.
Famous For: Ruins of a once-thriving medieval Armenian city.
Things to Do: Explore the Ani Cathedral, Ani Fortress.
Nearby Attractions: Kars Castle, Harakani Tomb.
Places to Stay: Kar's Otel, Ani Plaza Hotel.
Places to Eat: Ani Sofrası, Kafkasor Restaurant.
Shopping: Limited local crafts.
8. Arslantepe Mound: Malatya Province
Arslantepe was an ancient city on the Tohma River, an upper Euphrates tributary originating in the Taurus Mountains. Evidence from the site indicates that humans lived there as early as the 6th century BC and as recently as the medieval era. There are also early Bronze Age artifacts and a massive Royal Tomb complex at the site. The earliest swords known from the Early Bronze Age (c. 33rd to 31st centuries) are based on discoveries made by Marcella Frangipane.
Location: Malatya Province
How to Reach: Accessible by car or bus; the nearest major city is Malatya.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for pleasant weather.
Facilities: Limited facilities; best to visit with a guided tour.
Activities: Explore the ancient settlement's archaeological site.
Famous For: One of the oldest archaeological sites in Turkey.
Things to Do: Visit the Archaeological Museum, see the Tumulus Tombs.
Nearby Attractions: Malatya Castle, Aslantepe Ruins.
Places to Stay: Yeni Hotel, Dedeman Malatya Hotel.
Places to Eat: Sofra Restaurant, Melekler Lokantası.
Shopping: Local products, crafts.
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Antalya For All The History Lovers
9. Bursa and Cumalikizik – Birth of the Ottoman Empire: Bursa Province
Bursa is known for its Ottoman architecture, including the Grand Mosque, the Green Mosque, and the Osman and Orhan Gazi Tombs. Nearby Cumalıkızık is a charming village with well-preserved Ottoman houses, offering a glimpse of rural Ottoman life. The city has its significance from the 13th century when the city used to be the first major capital of the Ottoman State between 1335 and 1363 when it used to be known as Hudavendigar. The 8 different sites across the city are part of the Turkey UNESCO listings, including the 7 sites in Bursa and the nearby village of Cumalıkızık which makes it one of the best places to visit in Turkey.
Location: Bursa Province
How to Reach: Accessible by car, bus, or ferry; the nearest major city is Bursa.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for mild weather.
Facilities: Various hotels, guided tours, eateries, and parking.
Activities: Explore the historical sites in Bursa and Cumalikizik village.
Famous For: Being the first capital of the Ottoman Empire.
Things to Do: Visit the Grand Mosque, explore Cumalikizik's well-preserved houses.
Nearby Attractions: Uludağ National Park, Green Tomb.
Places to Stay: Almira Hotel, Kervansaray Hotel.
Places to Eat: Osmanlı Mutfağı, Tarihi Cumalıkızık Kır Kahvesi.
Shopping: Silk products, local goods.
10. Nemrut Dag: Adiyaman Province
Mount Nemrut's colossal stone heads form part of a royal tomb built by King Antiochus I. The site's sculptures and stunning vistas create an intriguing blend of natural beauty and historical significance. You can see several large statues erected on the mountain and maybe this is the reason it has found it’s name which means “Mountain of the Prophet.” The statues of Mount Nemrut have existed from 160 BC to 72 AD and are believed to be from the Armenian dynasty Kingdom of Commagene. Commagene's monarchs erected a multitude of monuments and temples on Mount Nemrut, including a tomb for themselves, which is one of the most ambitious architectural assets of the Hellenistic period.
Location: Adiyaman Province
How to Reach: Accessible by car; the nearest major city is Adiyaman.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for pleasant weather.
Facilities: Limited accommodation and basic facilities.
Activities: Witness the stunning ancient statues on Mount Nemrut.
Famous For: Massive statues and ancient royal tomb sanctuary.
Things to Do: Watch the sunrise or sunset at the summit, and explore the statues.
Nearby Attractions: Cendere Bridge, Arsemia Ruins.
Places to Stay: Hotel Zeus, Kommagene Hotel.
Places to Eat: Karakuş Tesisleri, Nemrut Restoran.
Shopping: Local handicrafts.
Suggested Read: Safari In Turkey: An Activity To Witness the Cultural Gems of the Country
11. City of Safranbolu: Karabuk Province
Safranbolu's well-preserved Ottoman architecture and urban layout make it a living testament to the town's history as a center of trade and culture during the Ottoman Empire. One can see 2000 traditional Safranbolu houses and typical Ottoman architectures which are the best examples of the rich architectural heritage of Turkey. The most notable buildings of the city are the Old Mosque and the Old Bath. Safranbolu's UNESCO Sites include the city's marketplace, Kirankoy, and the Vineyard of Baglar.
Location: Karabuk Province
How to Reach: Accessible by car or bus; the nearest major city is Karabuk.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for pleasant weather.
Facilities: Various hotels, guided tours, eateries, and parking.
Activities: Explore the well-preserved Ottoman architecture and historical sites.
Famous For: Ottoman architecture and traditional houses.
Things to Do: Visit the Cinci Inn, Safranbolu Museum.
Nearby Attractions: Hidirlik Hill, Kaymakamlar Museum.
Places to Stay: Imren Lokum Konak, Zalifre Hotel.
Places to Eat: Köfteci İsmail, Hacı Arif Bey Lokantası.
Shopping: Safranbolu lokum, handicrafts.
12. Diyarbakır Fortress and Hevsel Gardens Cultural Landscape: Diyarbakir Province
Diyarbakır's fortress stands as a testament to the city's historical importance and thus becomes one of the best places to travel in the middle east for UNESCO sites. The Hevsel Gardens, with their intricate irrigation system, showcase the harmonious interaction between humans and the environment. The city of Diyarbakir is on the Upper Tigris River in southeast Turkey and is surrounded by large walls stretching over 5.8 km. One can witness the ancient inscriptions on the walls, towers, and gates. Archaeologists have found the remains of the Hellenistic Era as well.
Location: Diyarbakir Province
How to Reach: Accessible by car, bus, or train; nearest major city is Diyarbakir.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for pleasant weather.
Facilities: Various hotels, guided tours, eateries, and parking.
Activities: Explore the historic fortress and lush Hevsel Gardens.
Famous For: Ancient city walls and beautiful gardens.
Things to Do: Walk along the city walls, relax in the gardens.
Nearby Attractions: Hasankeyf, Cahit Sitki Taranci House Cultural Museum.
Places to Stay: Hotel Surmeli Diyarbakir, Dedeman Diyarbakir.
Places to Eat: Yeni Kervansaray Restaurant, Cin Restaurant.
Shopping: Local crafts, traditional textiles.
Suggested Read: Cafes in Istanbul for Relishing Turkish Delights
13. Gobekli Tepe: Sanliurfa Province
Göbekli Tepe is a groundbreaking archaeological site, predating the invention of agriculture. Its megalithic structures challenge our understanding of early human societies and their capabilities. Gobekli Type is located in the southeast of Turkey in Sanliurfa and is known as one of the most important Neolithic archaeological sites in Turkey that date back to 8000 BCE, known as the Pre-Pottery Neolithic. One can see one of the world's oldest megaliths as this place is believed to be the birth of the world’s first permanent human community, also referred to as the "the beginnings of village life" at the end of the last Ice Age.
Location: Sanliurfa Province
How to Reach: Accessible by car; the nearest major city is Sanliurfa.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for mild weather.
Facilities: Limited facilities; best to visit with a guided tour.
Activities: Explore the world's oldest known temple complex.
Famous For: Ancient archaeological site with monumental T-shaped pillars.
Things to Do: Visit the archaeological site, and explore the visitor center.
Nearby Attractions: Urfa Archaeological Museum, Harran.
Places to Stay: Hotel Rabbani, Manici Hotel.
Places to Eat: Cigeristan, Ciger Saray.
Shopping: Local handicrafts.
14. Great Mosque and Hospital of Divrigi: Sivas Province
The Great Mosque and Hospital of Divriği showcase remarkable stonework and carvings from the Seljuk period. It's intricate decorations and unique architecture are a testament to the artistic sophistication of the time that you can explore even while enjoying your New Year in Turkey. This big complex was built by a ruler named Mengucek Ahmet Shah between 1228-29 which comprises a mosque, a hospital, and a few ancillary buildings. The extremely skilled vault-building method, as well as a creative, flamboyant form of ornate sculpture - notably on the three gateways, in contrast to the plain inner walls -, are the distinguishing aspects of this masterpiece of Islamic architecture among the most alluring ancient ruins in Turkey.
Location: Sivas Province
How to Reach: Accessible by car or bus; the nearest major city is Sivas.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for mild weather.
Facilities: Limited facilities; best to visit with a guided tour.
Activities: Explore the impressive medieval mosque and hospital complex.
Famous For: Stunning Anatolian Seljuk architecture and intricate carvings.
Things to Do: Admire the portal, explore the interiors.
Nearby Attractions: Sivas Castle, Ataturk Congress, and Ethnography Museum.
Places to Stay: Tahir Aga Konagi, Divrigi Hotel.
Places to Eat: Divrigi Lokantasi, Sedef Lokantasi.
Shopping: Local handicrafts.
Suggested Read: Culture and Festivals in Turkey: Where Memories are Made and Never Forgotten
15. Hattusha – The Hittite Capital: Corum Province
Hattusha, the Hittite capital, was a city of immense importance during its time and is now in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Turkey. The city used to be one of the major political wings in the ancient world and hence was a center of trade, politics, art, and culture until 1200 BCE. Its city gates, temples, and fortifications offer insights into the Hittite civilization, culture, and advanced urban planning that can be read in the Hittite mythology as well. One can explore the ruins of the ancient city and completely dedicated museums to the Hittites.
Location: Corum Province
How to Reach: Accessible by car or bus; the nearest major city is Corum.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for mild weather.
Facilities: Limited facilities; best to visit with a guided tour.
Activities: Explore the ancient Hittite capital's ruins and fortifications.
Famous For: Ancient Hittite city with impressive city walls and gates.
Things to Do: Visit the Lion Gate, and explore the Royal Palace.
Nearby Attractions: Yazilikaya Rock Sanctuary, Alacahoyuk Archaeological Site.
Places to Stay: Buyuk Hotel, Hitit Hotel.
Places to Eat: Saray Doner, Eskisehir Balikcisi.
Shopping: Local crafts.
Suggested Read: Winters In Turkey: Your Guide On When And What To Do
16. Neolithic Site of Catalhoyuk: Konya Province
Çatalhöyük is an exceptional archaeological site that offers insights into one of the world's earliest known urban centers and is among the must-visit UNESCO sites in Turkey. The settlement's remains provide valuable information about Neolithic societies. Just imagine a village, inhabited for almost 1000 years from 7500 BCE to 5700 BCE, is no more than ruins this day. Though the place has an expanded population of around 2000 people. You will definitely appreciate the architectural knowledge of the residents when you see the tunnels and corridors created by them to travel safely in summer and winter. Not only this, the pottery and other artworks discovered from the site proves their knowledge of art, and they were also skilled farmers, growing wheat, barley, peas, lentils, and flax.
Location: Konya Province
How to Reach: Accessible by car or bus; the nearest major city is Konya.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for mild weather.
Facilities: Limited facilities; best to visit with a guided tour.
Activities: Explore the ancient settlement's archaeological remains.
Famous For: One of the world's oldest Neolithic sites.
Things to Do: Learn about prehistoric human settlement patterns, visit the excavation area.
Nearby Attractions: Konya Archaeological Museum, Mevlana Museum.
Places to Stay: Rumi Hotel, Hich Hotel.
Places to Eat: Sultanahmet Lokantasi, Meshur Konyali.
Shopping: Local handicrafts.
Suggested Read: Shopping In Antalya, Turkey: Shop For The Best Turkish Souvenirs
17. Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape: Izmir Province
The ancient city of Pergamon is notable for its remarkable architecture, including its famous library. The site also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape of Izmir Province. You can visit numerous temples and historic remains at this place while your tour of Turkey UNESCO sites. Kybele Sanctuary is also part of this site, along with historical burial grounds and a wealth of evidence spanning several centuries, including Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman. UNESCO has listed 9 locations consisting of the Acropolis, the Asclepieion, the healing center, and other ruins of Ottoman and Roman dynasties like the Trajan Temple and the Roman Theater.
Location: Izmir Province
How to Reach: Accessible by car or bus; the nearest major city is Izmir.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for mild weather.
Facilities: Various hotels, guided tours, eateries, and parking.
Activities: Explore archaeological remains and multi-layered cultural sites.
Famous For: Ancient city with impressive monuments and libraries.
Things to Do: Visit the Acropolis, explore the Asclepion.
Nearby Attractions: Asklepion, Bergama Museum.
Places to Stay: Akropolis Guest House, Hera Boutique Hotel.
Places to Eat: Kavalali Meyhanesi, Tiryakioğlu Lokantası.
Shopping: Local crafts, textiles.
18. Selimiye Mosque and its Social Complex: Edirne Province
The Selimiye Mosque is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, showcasing the grandeur and elegance of the empire's structures, is located in Edirne on the northwest corner of Turkey. Edirne worked as the capital of the Ottoman Empire and thus the construction dated back to the 16th century. Traveling to UNESCO sites in Turkey will let you go through the mosque complex also includes a school, library, markets, and other facilities. If you have learned about Sinan, a Turkish architect, this site is his work of art for your reference.
Location: Edirne Province
How to Reach: Accessible by car or bus; the nearest major city is Edirne.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for mild weather.
Facilities: Various hotels, guided tours, eateries, and parking.
Activities: Explore the Ottoman architectural masterpiece and its surroundings.
Famous For: Architectural marvel of Ottoman Mosque design.
Things to Do: Admire the intricate design, explore the complex.
Nearby Attractions: Edirne Palace, Eski Mosque.
Places to Stay: Margi Hotel, Edirne Palace Hotel.
Places to Eat: Selimiye Sofrasi, Cigerci Niyazi Usta.
Shopping: Local crafts, textiles.
Suggested Read: Nightlife In Antalya, Turkey: Guide To Relish The Night In The City
19. Xanthos-Letoon: Antalya Province
Immerse yourself in Turkey's historic tapestry by visiting one of the best historic landmarks in Turkey, “the Xanthos-Letoon". This UNESCO World Heritage Site, nestled among Turkey's magnificent scenery, reveals the rich history of the Lycian culture. Explore the weathered remains of Xanthos, a city steeped in myth and history, where stone sarcophagi and amphitheaters sing the ancient legends. Then comes the Letoon, a nearby sanctuary devoted to Lycian Gods, where you can recount stories of devotion in the decaying structures. Xanthos-Letoon presents a vivid picture of Turkey's rich cultural history.
Location: Antalya Province
How to Reach: Accessible by car or bus; the nearest major city is Antalya.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for mild weather.
Facilities: Limited facilities; best to visit with a guided tour.
Activities: Explore the ruins of ancient Xanthos and Letoon.
Famous For: Ancient Lycian cities with historical significance.
Things to Do: Discover the Xanthos Amphitheater, and explore the Letoon sanctuary.
Nearby Attractions: Patara Archaeological Site, Saklıkent Canyon.
Places to Stay: Hotel Xanthos, Dalyan Resort Hotel.
Places to Eat: Likya Yolu Palabiyik Evi, Cin Bal Restaurant.
Shopping: Local crafts.
Finally, Turkey is a paradisiacal country that combines its rich history, gorgeous landscapes, and architectural marvels into an amazing travel experience. Turkey has a rich variety of cultural and historical assets that transcend time, including the 19 Turkey UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Travelers are encouraged to go on a riveting trip through millennia of civilization, from the awe-inspiring Historic Areas of Istanbul to the intriguing remains of Göbekli Tepe. Each landmark, whether the towering Selimiye Mosque or the ancient settlement of Hattusha, has a different story to tell that adds to Turkey's vivid tapestry of legacy. Turkey's UNESCO World Heritage Sites promise an immersive journey into the core of human history and culture as you stroll among ancient ruins, and marvel at breathtaking landscapes by availing yourself of the best Turkey tour packages.
FAQs
In easy words, The UNESCO Heritage Sites are something related to our culture, nature, or with mixed significance that is of exceptional value to humanity and needs to be protected for future generations.
There are a total of 19 heritage sites in Turkey. 17 out of them are of architectural and cultural significance while the other 2 are natural sites.
Yes, to understand the history and value of the site, we need to have a guided tour.The guided tours are provided in local and some common international languages.
The top 5 Turkey UNESCO World Heritage Sites are:
- The Historic Areas of Istanbul (Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque)
- Goreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia
- Ephesus
- Hierapolis-Pamukkale
- Archaeological Site of Troy
Yes, there might be entrance fees for some UNESCO Heritage Sites. The charges may vary based on the site and visitors' nationality.
The best time to visit these famous sites is during the spring and fall when the weather is pleasant, and crowds are less. But if you are a history buff and explorer, you can hit the sites whenever you wish.
Yes, photography is generally allowed at most of these heritage sites, but some sites might have restrictions in certain areas.
Yes, many UNESCO sites are located near other tourist attractions, offering a well-rounded experience. So, while exploring tourist places, you can experience the past at these sites too.
Yes, some sites host special events, festivals, or cultural performances that visitors can enjoy during their visit. Mostly these places hold cultural programs to entertain and educate travelers.
Generally, there are no age restrictions for tourists, and these sites can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages.
Yes, some sites are accessible via public transportation, while others might require private transportation.
Yes, some sites host special events, festivals, or cultural performances that visitors can enjoy during their visit.
