Aphrodisias is an ancient city located in southwestern Turkey, near the modern town of Geyre. It was named after the Greek goddess Aphrodite and was renowned for its artistic and cultural heritage.

Aphrodisias was founded during the Hellenistic period in the 3rd century BC and flourished under the Roman Empire. It was an important center for the worship of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, and it became a renowned hub for sculpture and arts.

The archaeological site of Aphrodisias is known for its well-preserved ruins, including impressive structures and remarkable marble sculptures. Visitors can explore various highlights, such as:

Temple of Aphrodite: The Temple of Aphrodite was the city’s main religious structure. Although mostly in ruins, some columns and architectural elements still stand, giving an idea of its grandeur.

Theater: Aphrodisias features a well-preserved theater that could accommodate around 8,000 spectators. It is renowned for its excellent acoustics and hosts occasional performances and events.

Stadium: The city’s stadium is one of the best-preserved ancient stadiums in the world. It was used for athletic competitions and could hold up to 30,000 spectators.

Sebasteion: The Sebasteion was a monumental building dedicated to the cult of the Roman emperors. It consisted of a series of reliefs and statues depicting emperors, gods, and mythological figures. Some of these sculptures are now displayed in the Aphrodisias Museum.  Aphrodisias was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017 in recognition of its exceptional universal value as an ancient city with well-preserved monumental structures and significant contributions to sculpture and arts.