Sagalassos
Sagalassos
5
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
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5.0
439 reviews
Excellent
389
Very good
43
Average
5
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Mike X
Chicago, IL2,024 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
What sets this place apart is there is a functioning fountain. It's a long drive from Antalya so make sure you know this is what you want. This has a theatre like other sites but this one has the mountains as a backdrop (like Termessos). Then go to the burdur museum to see the actual statues from the fountain.
Written October 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lanni
Gaziantep, Türkiye5,215 contributions
Nov 2021
Traveling to Ağlasun where Sagalassos is located by public transport, is close to impossible. Ağlasun itself is a real village where I saw the farmers busy with their daily activity. Only by car then we arrived in Sagalassos. We combined the visit to Sagalassos and Termessos at the same day.
It was worthy journey and at least we spent 4-5 hours to see all the ancient city. We were lucky enough to be given the key to see the library which is near to the theatre.
Our visit begins from beautiful fountain, then theatre which was not restored (yet) but still magnificent, then to enter the library, then necropolis, the city center, agora, market, etc. The best of Sagalassos is restored nymphaeum called Antonine nymphaeum. The information said that the restoration was decided after the archeologists found almost complete scattered block stones around. Many of the reliefs and statues are now displayed in Burdur Archeology Museum.
It was worthy journey and at least we spent 4-5 hours to see all the ancient city. We were lucky enough to be given the key to see the library which is near to the theatre.
Our visit begins from beautiful fountain, then theatre which was not restored (yet) but still magnificent, then to enter the library, then necropolis, the city center, agora, market, etc. The best of Sagalassos is restored nymphaeum called Antonine nymphaeum. The information said that the restoration was decided after the archeologists found almost complete scattered block stones around. Many of the reliefs and statues are now displayed in Burdur Archeology Museum.
Written November 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
eng333
New Jersey1,709 contributions
Mar 2021
The last few miles of road to this site is not very good. Some parts are unpaved gravel due to construction. Mountainous and some parts without guard rail. Part of the road was blocked due to construction and I had to drive around down/up a short section very steep dirt road with no railing. Overall, it was not a problem because I just drove slowly and carefully. I don't think a tour bus could get up there. The site itself has great views. There is a working fountain and remains of a theater. A nice stop that's not typical. The whole time I was there, I think I only saw two other people.
Written May 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nomadic S
Istanbul, Türkiye281 contributions
Jul 2020
Wow, Sagalassos is seriously amazing #MustVisit. A huge amount a care and attention is going into restoring this ancient city, with the potential to rival Ephesus. There is so much to do and explore in this area. Take proper walking boats, plenty of water and your imagination. We stayed in Sagalassos Hotel 4kms down the hill, had an early breakfast and then took a good couple of hours to explore the ruins, we could hav e taken most of the day and regret not walking up Alexander’s Hill.
Written July 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David C
6 contributions
Aug 2022
One of the most stunning ancient city in Turkey. A must see for ruin lovers that is being restored. Well worth the journey. Wonderfull restored fountains with flowing water. Old theater extended by romans with a back corridor, agoras and tombs. Impressive view on the valley. Original statues exposed in Burdur's archeological museum.
Written May 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ikra d
Athens, OH10 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
It was a magical Roman place. You can still visualize the city in your eyes with its grandiose temples and Theathers. It is impossible not to be amazed from the view it offers. Drinking from the hundred years old fountain is a feeling you shouldn’t miss. You should be disappointed if you pass it by. The only problem is the signings and the path directions which I believe would be improved soon.
Written July 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AnnBlacksea
Samsun, Türkiye317 contributions
Dec 2020 • Friends
This is a recently opened ancient site with buildings dating back to Hellenistic and Roman times just on the outskirts of Isparta. Located in the mountains a little bit off the beaten track, it is definitely worth a visit. As this is an active archeological dig more places are being discovered. However, it has an amphitheater, market squares, colonnaded streets and a spectacular working fountain - definitely a unique feature. You will need to give yourselves about 3 hours to walk around the vast area. I found the map of the site a little confusing as there was no scale.
Written January 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marco_Polo499
Milan, Italy274 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
This is a UNESCO "world heritage" site, and archaeological work is still going on. Although in existence since the third millennium BC, the great architectural developments took place during the Greek and the Roman dominance; later on, the plague and the earthquakes caused its downfall. Actually it is claimed that this is the largest Roman city still in existence, and the visit cannot take less than 2-3 hours. It is located high in the mountains, and the surrounding landscape is an absolute wonder. Due to its rather remote location, the site is not yet invaded by mass tourism: I was there on a Sunday and the visitors were very few.
The site is located at an altitude of about 1500 metres, on the steep slopes of a mountain, and is surrounded by very high mountain walls. The landscape is striking, and reminds the beautiful "Dolomites" mountains of the Alps. Due the remoteness of the location, the ruins were not ransacked over the times, nor the materials were removed for use in other buildings: archaeologists think that 90% of the original materials still lie on the ground where they fell due to the earthquakes, and that the city could be largely rebuilt thanks to them. The remains cover a vast area, and many monuments have already been restored. The following are particularly noteworthy. The theatre, located in the upper part of the city and leaning against the wall of the mountain; it has striking views to the plains located 500 metres below and accommodated several thousand people. The Agora, or main square, with the remains of several religious and civil buildings around it, decorated with wonderful friezes and statues (which are however copies; the originals are kept in the extraordinary archaeological museum of Burdur, about 35 kilometres away from here). The Hellenistic fountain. Scattered everywhere there are many other remains, and also lots of sculptures and sculpted panels still waiting for their final destination to be decided. Some parts of the site are not accessible, since archaeological work is still in progress. Panels with very comprehensive information in Turkish, English and German are posted near the monuments. A mock-up of the site and other information is displayed in the basement of the entrance building.
The remains are scattered on the flank of the mountain, at various levels: you need to climb a lot, but well maintained paths and catwalks facilitate your movements, which will turn out rather easy. Due to the works in progress and to the limited number of visitors hovering around, you will get the impression of being among the discoverers of the site. In winter the site can be very cold; in summer it can be very hot, since the rocky walls surrounding the city act as a reflector of the heat of the sun; best time to visit is during the middle seasons. At the end of the visit, it is highly recommended to pay a visit also the wonderful archaeological museum of Burdur (about 35 kilometres away), which contains an impressive number of sculptures reclaimed from Sagalassos and from other Roman cities of the region: it is considered one of the best museums of Turkey, and I have made a separate review for it.
The site is about 50 kilometres south-west of Isparta, with little tourist infrastructure in the vicinity. The nearest village is Ağlasun, about 7 kilometres away and 400 metres below; from Ağlasun to Sagalassos there is an uphill road with no public transport. A practical way of visiting Sagalassos is going by taxi from Isparta. The excursion from Isparta, including both Sagalassos and the museum at Budur, will practically take the full day. I made it with a very knowledgeable and reliable guide, who speaks English and is also an expert on environmental problems: his name is Tik.Tulpar.Ata and I recommend him; you can contact him at gmail.com. Transportation and guide service for a full day cost me the very reasonable price of 500 Liras (April 2019, less than 80 €):
The site is open everyday, from 8:30 to 19:30 in summer and from 9:00 to 17:30 in winter. Admission is 12 Liras (about 2 €).There are restrooms in the basement of the entrance building.
The site is located at an altitude of about 1500 metres, on the steep slopes of a mountain, and is surrounded by very high mountain walls. The landscape is striking, and reminds the beautiful "Dolomites" mountains of the Alps. Due the remoteness of the location, the ruins were not ransacked over the times, nor the materials were removed for use in other buildings: archaeologists think that 90% of the original materials still lie on the ground where they fell due to the earthquakes, and that the city could be largely rebuilt thanks to them. The remains cover a vast area, and many monuments have already been restored. The following are particularly noteworthy. The theatre, located in the upper part of the city and leaning against the wall of the mountain; it has striking views to the plains located 500 metres below and accommodated several thousand people. The Agora, or main square, with the remains of several religious and civil buildings around it, decorated with wonderful friezes and statues (which are however copies; the originals are kept in the extraordinary archaeological museum of Burdur, about 35 kilometres away from here). The Hellenistic fountain. Scattered everywhere there are many other remains, and also lots of sculptures and sculpted panels still waiting for their final destination to be decided. Some parts of the site are not accessible, since archaeological work is still in progress. Panels with very comprehensive information in Turkish, English and German are posted near the monuments. A mock-up of the site and other information is displayed in the basement of the entrance building.
The remains are scattered on the flank of the mountain, at various levels: you need to climb a lot, but well maintained paths and catwalks facilitate your movements, which will turn out rather easy. Due to the works in progress and to the limited number of visitors hovering around, you will get the impression of being among the discoverers of the site. In winter the site can be very cold; in summer it can be very hot, since the rocky walls surrounding the city act as a reflector of the heat of the sun; best time to visit is during the middle seasons. At the end of the visit, it is highly recommended to pay a visit also the wonderful archaeological museum of Burdur (about 35 kilometres away), which contains an impressive number of sculptures reclaimed from Sagalassos and from other Roman cities of the region: it is considered one of the best museums of Turkey, and I have made a separate review for it.
The site is about 50 kilometres south-west of Isparta, with little tourist infrastructure in the vicinity. The nearest village is Ağlasun, about 7 kilometres away and 400 metres below; from Ağlasun to Sagalassos there is an uphill road with no public transport. A practical way of visiting Sagalassos is going by taxi from Isparta. The excursion from Isparta, including both Sagalassos and the museum at Budur, will practically take the full day. I made it with a very knowledgeable and reliable guide, who speaks English and is also an expert on environmental problems: his name is Tik.Tulpar.Ata and I recommend him; you can contact him at gmail.com. Transportation and guide service for a full day cost me the very reasonable price of 500 Liras (April 2019, less than 80 €):
The site is open everyday, from 8:30 to 19:30 in summer and from 9:00 to 17:30 in winter. Admission is 12 Liras (about 2 €).There are restrooms in the basement of the entrance building.
Written May 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SwampeastMike
Cape Girardeau, MO3,207 contributions
Jan 2015 • Couples
Sagalassos is one of the newest ancient Roman sights in Turkey to be excavated and opened to the public. Major excavation began about 1990 and the ensuing repairs and replacements are extraordinary. I have visited a great number of ruined Greek/Roman cities throughout Turkey and Sagalassos is high in my personal top 10.
The remote mountain location and rather treacherous roads to access ensure that you will not encounter crowds. Our early January visit found the sight and surrounding mountain tops snow covered and especially beautiful. With a mid-afternoon arrival we had to leave prematurely (about 2 hours on sight) when the temperature dropped to freezing.
Expect a rather strenuous hike as there are about 200 meters between the upper and lower cities at an elevation of about 2,500 meters.
A new and very nice hotel named "Sagalassos Lodge and Spa" opened in 2014. It is located about 3 km below the sight and is probably the only accommodation above the barest level for at least 30 km.
The remote mountain location and rather treacherous roads to access ensure that you will not encounter crowds. Our early January visit found the sight and surrounding mountain tops snow covered and especially beautiful. With a mid-afternoon arrival we had to leave prematurely (about 2 hours on sight) when the temperature dropped to freezing.
Expect a rather strenuous hike as there are about 200 meters between the upper and lower cities at an elevation of about 2,500 meters.
A new and very nice hotel named "Sagalassos Lodge and Spa" opened in 2014. It is located about 3 km below the sight and is probably the only accommodation above the barest level for at least 30 km.
Written January 5, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
T3T
Western Norway, Norway2,397 contributions
Jun 2013 • Couples
Sagalassos is a magnificent ancient place that compares to Efesos and the other well known places in Turkey.
It has been a forgotten place, but excavations have been done every summer the last years under direction of a Belgian team from Leuwen University.
At present state it is an impressive site at a height of 1500-1700 meters above sea level and in some years it will be much more impressive.
The good thing now is that so few people knows about this place, We walked around the whole site and saw only two other tourists - apart from all the turkish workers improving the place.
There are many things to see :
The fountain (nympheum) where the spring water is running again.
The library which has a fabulous floor mosaic.
The Amphitheater high above the rest of the city (looks like the earthquake was 2 months ago).
The Upper angora with it's restored marble fountain and copied statues.
The Lower angora and the long, wide street.
The building complex with the Roman baths seems to be impressive, but was closed and still waits restoring it seems.
....and more to find if you walk about....
At this time the workers were laying new tracks and steps with heavy woodframes and gravel/stones. They still have a long way to go before it is completed.
We found it some place easier to walk on the side of the new paths.
We found June to be a good time to visit, although the site is open year-round.
If you visit July-August.you will probably see the archeologists at work.
Some may even do some voluntary guiding.(There should be some Belgium guides avalable for guided tours in English, German, Dutch and French).
When we payed the entrance fee we asked for info/brochures, but the only thing shown was a drawing book in turkish, although brochures and walking maps should be available at the gatehouse.
June was fine regarding temperature at daytime, but we believe July/August may be hot walking around at Sagalassos and would recommend caps/hats, water and good shoes - no sandals. Maybe also sunscreening....
We think late autumn, winter and early spring will be too snowy here - maybe the place is closed as well ?
To get there we drove from BURDUR - via Suyulu Caves and Aglasun (Ah-laah-son).
In Aglasun we followed the signs through the town center and drove uphill on a narrow and curvy gravelroad for some kilometers.
When we left Sagalassos we drove east until we came to the Antalya - Isparta main road.
For people without cars there should be (July-Aug) a daily minibus service from Aglasun to Sagalassos at a resonable price (a few times a day).
It is also possible to walk all the way up to Sagalassos (from Aglasun) if you do have the time because the road goes through forests and pretty countryside and gives you beautiful views of the valleys and mountains in the area.
Without a car you can easily get to Aglasun from Antalya, Burdur or Isparta.
We would like to visit this place again in a year or two and spend more time exploring the site.
We apent about 1,5 hours there, but could have spent 3 hours and had a picnic there as well.
It has been a forgotten place, but excavations have been done every summer the last years under direction of a Belgian team from Leuwen University.
At present state it is an impressive site at a height of 1500-1700 meters above sea level and in some years it will be much more impressive.
The good thing now is that so few people knows about this place, We walked around the whole site and saw only two other tourists - apart from all the turkish workers improving the place.
There are many things to see :
The fountain (nympheum) where the spring water is running again.
The library which has a fabulous floor mosaic.
The Amphitheater high above the rest of the city (looks like the earthquake was 2 months ago).
The Upper angora with it's restored marble fountain and copied statues.
The Lower angora and the long, wide street.
The building complex with the Roman baths seems to be impressive, but was closed and still waits restoring it seems.
....and more to find if you walk about....
At this time the workers were laying new tracks and steps with heavy woodframes and gravel/stones. They still have a long way to go before it is completed.
We found it some place easier to walk on the side of the new paths.
We found June to be a good time to visit, although the site is open year-round.
If you visit July-August.you will probably see the archeologists at work.
Some may even do some voluntary guiding.(There should be some Belgium guides avalable for guided tours in English, German, Dutch and French).
When we payed the entrance fee we asked for info/brochures, but the only thing shown was a drawing book in turkish, although brochures and walking maps should be available at the gatehouse.
June was fine regarding temperature at daytime, but we believe July/August may be hot walking around at Sagalassos and would recommend caps/hats, water and good shoes - no sandals. Maybe also sunscreening....
We think late autumn, winter and early spring will be too snowy here - maybe the place is closed as well ?
To get there we drove from BURDUR - via Suyulu Caves and Aglasun (Ah-laah-son).
In Aglasun we followed the signs through the town center and drove uphill on a narrow and curvy gravelroad for some kilometers.
When we left Sagalassos we drove east until we came to the Antalya - Isparta main road.
For people without cars there should be (July-Aug) a daily minibus service from Aglasun to Sagalassos at a resonable price (a few times a day).
It is also possible to walk all the way up to Sagalassos (from Aglasun) if you do have the time because the road goes through forests and pretty countryside and gives you beautiful views of the valleys and mountains in the area.
Without a car you can easily get to Aglasun from Antalya, Burdur or Isparta.
We would like to visit this place again in a year or two and spend more time exploring the site.
We apent about 1,5 hours there, but could have spent 3 hours and had a picnic there as well.
Written June 25, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Merhaba bu mevsimde gelecegım. Çok kar var mı ve çok soğuk mu? Gelmek ve konaklamak mümkün mü?
Olganefe
Moscow, Russia335 contributions
Добрый день! Подскажите, пожалуйста, часы работы Sagalassos в марте 2021? также в будни будет точно открыто?
Merhaba antik kent girişinde müze kart alınabiliyor mu?
Enis Arıkan
Istanbul, Türkiye155 contributions
evet alınabiliniyor biraz geç döndüm kusuruma bakmayın
siunyil
Brisbane, Australia11 contributions
Hi, we plan to drive to Sagalassos in mid-December. I read that we have to bring tyre chain if we travel between October and April. Is there anywhere we can hire tyre chain before we drive there? We plan to drive from Antalya and continue to Pamukkale after a visit to Sagalassoss. Or is it easier to leave the car in Burdur and we hire taxi to the site? Please help
platinum_maverick
Istanbul, Türkiye171 contributions
Hello
Tire chains will not be needed legally for your own car it is mandatory for commercial vehicles.
however the antique city is on a high altitude. If you do stay in the spa hotel then you may need them. If you stay in the burdur town then for the antique city visit you can arrange a taxi
freezinginMI4
Michigan44 contributions
Hello! I am thinking of going to Sagalassos in July with my family and will by flying out of Istanbul. Do you think I could find a rental car near Isparta that would allow me to return the car in Izmir or should I try flying into Antalya? Take care, Sarah
esat t
Istanbul, Türkiye213 contributions
Better idea Antalya since car drop off at another city will also be costly or not possible. You may also rent in and out of izmir if you wish.
Sagalososs feels nice and even cool in the summertime with the ancient water streams still running thru the little marble tubs in front of fountains, which feels allve like in the BC times.
Candemir A
Afyonkarahisar, Türkiye677 contributions
saat kaça kadar açık burası ve İnsuyu mağarasına yakın mı ve bir de ücret be kadar giriş için?
Hüseyin
Side, Türkiye124 contributions
19 a kadar açık. Müze kartınız varsa ücretsiz.yoksa kişi başı 14 tl ve 0-6 yaş ücretsiz.23.07.2019 tarihi ile
Candemir A
Afyonkarahisar, Türkiye677 contributions
Giriş ücreti ne kadar arkadaşlar? Bir de biz önce salda gölüne gidicez oradan antik kente gidicez arası ne kadar ve yol nasıl?
Tatilci C
Berlin, Germany236 contributions
Salda gölü ile arasında 113 km olup, yaklaşık 2 saat sürmektedir. Yol Ağlasun'dan sonra yol yukarı doğru gitmektedir. Kent yukarıda kalıyor ama mutlaka gidin çünkü değer...
saaaarr
The Netherlands45 contributions
How can I reach Sagalassos? I'll be travelling from Antalya. I already found a transport service called Aglasunkoop but I'm not sure where they exactly drop and pick up the passengers. Is there any other transport service which stops near the entrance?
Tatilci C
Berlin, Germany236 contributions
Sagalassos is not located on the public transportation road. We hired a car to reach Sagalassos.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Sagalassos
- Hotels near Sagalassos:
- (1.37 mi) Sagalassos Lodge & Spa
- (6.93 mi) Ramada By Wyndham Isparta
- (7.68 mi) Hilton Garden Inn Isparta
- (7.30 mi) Barida Hotels Isparta
- (6.70 mi) Devin Otel Isparta
- Restaurants near Sagalassos:
- (6.75 mi) Antre Gurme Cafe - Kitchen
- (6.40 mi) Ferah Kebap Salonu
- (1.98 mi) Yaylakent Restaurant Et Mangal
- (7.65 mi) Konak Restaurant 32
- (7.41 mi) Antre Cadde