LAODICEA

Laodicea occupies a broad plateau overlooking the fertile valley of the River Lycus tributary of the Maeander. Lying far inland from the major archaeological sites on the Aegean coast, it has emerged only in the last decade as the second-largest Roman city in Anatolia, exceeded only by Ephesus. Since it was abandoned in the late Middle Ages, it was known mainly through biblical and literary sources. Since 1993 archaeologists have discovered new evidence of a thriving metropolis. They have revealed the Hippodamian grid plan and so much remarkable architecture that UNESCO has placed the site on the World Heritage Temporary List for ten years. As excavation and restoration continue, visitors will experience even more evidence of this prosperous metropolis. It is 16 km. from the World Heritage Site of Hierapolis (Pamukkale) and about the same distance from the important classical city of Colossae, where almost nothing remains.

When you travel to the city, you are entering from Syrian Street, unearthed in recent years. The Agora was standing nearby the entrance. The Greeks built the theater with a 12,000-person capacity. The basilica was built-in 6C AD. Corinthian Temple, which has Roman-style columns. The remains of Ephesus’s gate, which was dedicated to the Roman Emperor Domitian at the end of 1C AD. The stadium was built by the Romans and is one of the biggest stadiums with an arena in Anatolia.

You can book Laodicea Ancient City Tour with Package Tour Turkey.