Sagalassos Ancient City: The lost Roman city above the clouds.
Located on the slopes of the Western Taurus Mountains in the Ağlasun district of Burdur, Sagalassos Ancient City is considered one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Turkey. Built at an altitude of approximately 1,500 meters above sea level, this magnificent city offers visitors the opportunity to travel back in time with its impressive Roman architecture, monumental structures, and breathtaking mountain views. Sagalassos was one of the most important cities of the ancient Pisidia Region and became one of the strongest centers of the region during the Roman period.
Dating back thousands of years, Sagalassos is known as one of the important cities conquered by Alexander the Great during his Anatolian campaign. Later coming under the rule of the Roman Empire, the city saw great development particularly during the reign of Emperor Hadrian and earned the title "First City of Pisidia". The magnificent structures built during this period continue to impress visitors to this day.
One of the most remarkable structures of Sagalassos is the Antonine Nymphaeum. This monumental fountain, which has been standing for over 1,800 years, continues to flow water today thanks to restoration works. With its magnificent façade adorned with colorful stones and its impressive architecture, the Antonine Nymphaeum is considered the symbol of the ancient city.
The Roman Theatre in the city is one of the most impressive structures of Sagalassos. With a capacity of approximately 9,000 people, the theatre offers visitors a unique view of the Taurus Mountains and surrounding valleys due to its high position. Considered one of the highest-altitude theatres of the ancient world, this structure is one of the important features that distinguishes Sagalassos from other ancient cities.
While exploring Sagalassos, you can also discover many important structures such as the Upper Agora, Odeon, Roman Baths, Council House, Heroon Monument, and colonnaded streets. The city is also known as one of the most important ceramic production centers of the ancient period. Excavations have revealed that Sagalassos was a major economic and cultural power during the Roman period.
Today, Sagalassos is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List and is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Turkey. This unique city hidden among the mountains is a one-of-a-kind destination waiting to be explored for history enthusiasts, photography buffs, and cultural travelers. Combining the splendor of ancient times with natural beauty, Sagalassos is among the historical treasures that must be visited around Burdur and Antalya.