When it comes to discovering the most fascinating artefacts and natural beauties of human history, you may immediately think of seven wonders of the world. Well, before you set out to explore the continents, how about first turning to the unique beauty in this country? So, let’s hit the road! Our sites are set on the seven wonders of Türkiye.
Our country is home to unique historical buildings and natural wonders that have existed since the first world civilizations. Witness the history and breath-taking landscapes for yourself. We are sure that there are many places noted for being one of “the Wonders of Türkiye”, where you have not yet visited. Many of these locations are frequented by thousands of local and foreign tourists every year. So, let us take a closer look at these wonders that are on the list of places to see in Türkiye!
1. Land of Beautiful Horses: Cappadocia, Nevsehir
Cappadocia, is a fascinating region with its mystical atmosphere and sophisticated tones of brown. It is among the natural wonders of Türkiye with its millions of years old fairy chimneys, underground cities, beautiful valleys, and of course, beautiful horses. Cappadocia, is located in Nevşehir Province in Central Anatolia. It is a valuable destination among the touristic places in Türkiye, welcoming thousands of people in every season of the year.
Fairy chimneys dusted with in snow-white during the winter make it possible to photograph wonderful landscapes, while in summer the long valleys offer a completely different environment for you to take pleasant walks. The most famous of all the activities that you can do during your adventure in Cappadocia is taking a hot-air balloon ride. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the fairy-tale terrain first thing in the morning. While you are in Cappadocia, we hope that you will try all of the local delicacies!
2. Land of Greek Goddesses: The Temple of Artemis, İzmir
The Temple of Artemis is on the list of world wonders in Türkiye because it is a must-see place with its magnificent structure and historical atmosphere. Dedicated to Artemis, known as the goddess of the moon, this temple consists of 127 columns that are 17 metres high. The Temple of Artemis, located in the Selçuk district of İzmir, is a frequent destination for thousands of domestic and foreign tourists.
If you want to visit the Temple of Artemis, we would like to point out that the entrance times differ in summer and winter. Entrance to the Temple of Artemis is limited between 8:00-18:30 during the summer and between 8:00-17:00 in the wintertime. The fee to enter this temple is 60 Turkish lira without a Müzekart (Turkish Museum Pass). Before we forget, we recommend you also visit the Ancient City of Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary while you are in Selçuk!
3. The Eternal Resting Place of Our Founding Father: Anıtkabir, Ankara
Anıtkabir, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s mausoleum, is one of our seven wonders in Türkiye. The 262-metre-long Aslanlı Yol (Lion Road). where 24 lion statues are arranged symmetrically, will eventually take you to the mausoleum grounds. Let’s also mention that the many different iconic towers, each of which is extremely meaningful, accompany you along the way. You should watch the soldiers’ goosebump-inducing changing of the guard before entering the mausoleum.
The octagonal Tomb Room contains the body of our Founding Father Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Many photographs and information about the history of the Republic are also displayed here making it the most impressive room of the Anıtkabir. This room, which has a very unusual architectural structure is notable also for a large bronze door behind which Atatürk is laid to rest. The Atatürk relief on the door impresses as it is designed to reflect the Ankara Castle and the Turkish flag located outside the building.
4. Cradle of Civilizations: Sümela Monastery, Trabzon
The Sümela Monastery, on the outskirts of Karadağ in Trabzon, is a historical heritage hidden in dark rocks! Also known as the “Virgin Mary” by local people, this structure was built as a monastery by two priests during the time of the Byzantine period. It has been in-use for various purposes by many different civilizations all the way through present day. The Sümela Monastery, is under protection by UNESCO, has not lost its majestic appearance and beautiful interiors and architectural features.
With its narrow, long stairs to the entrance and its must-see church nestled behind it, Sümela Monastery deserves to be one of the seven wonders of Türkiye as it has maintained its popularity for over a thousand years! If you want to go to Sümela and visit this historical place, it is about a 20-minute walk uphill along a pathway. However, when your tour of the monastery is over, you can quickly descend the same road and eat the famous dishes of the region at Sümela Social Facilities, which is right, and get rid of your exhaustion.
5. An Architectural Masterpiece: Hagia Sophia Mosque and Museum, İstanbul
The Hagia Sophia Mosque Museum, the pupil of İstanbul’s eye with its historical texture and religious motifs, ranks first among the historical places to visit in Türkiye. The Hagia Sophia, one of the wonders in our country with its architecture and impressive atmosphere, turns all eyes to the region with its appearance covered with marble and mosaics. The Hagia Sophia Mosque and Museum is quite assertive about being the most beautiful historical monument of both its time and today.
The Hagia Sophia Museum is the pinnacle of enchantment in İstanbul. To witness the history of this magnificent museum, and to examine the largest calligraphy plates of the Islamic world is a once in a lifetime experience. You can be sure that you will find much more than a church, a mosque, or a museum in the Hagia Sophia!
6. Stage of Tragedies: Aspendos Ancient Theater, Antalya
If you have any kind of imagination, you can easily visualize famous theatre productions in the unique atmosphere of the Aspendos Antique Theatre, and if you listen, you can even hear the voices of the people! Aspendos Antique Theatre is extremely popular among historical and touristic places in Türkiye. Aspendos Theatre, which is the oldest and most complete theatre that has survived from the Anatolian Roman period to these days, is still in active use today.
In this ancient theatre, where various events and concerts are still held from time to time, it is possible to watch an impressive stage performance and drink in the magical atmosphere. If you want, you can take a look at the event calendar before arranging your holiday to make your holiday even more enjoyable. As with most historical sites, the Aspendos Ancient Theatre has a special story. We also recommend that you learn about that famous story before you go!
7. The Oldest Settlement in the World: Çatalhöyük Neolithic City, Konya
Çatalhöyük Neolithic City, which sheds light on the history of humanity and is one of the main discovery points of archaeologists, reveals the transition from the time of hunting and gathering to the first “city” model. With this aspect, the settlement, which is a UNESCO protected site in Türkiye, is one of the starting points for ancient history buffs. Standing out with its architecture, wall paintings, and sculptures, Çatalhöyük still attracts local and foreign tourists after thousands of years.
The Neolithic City of Çatalhöyük, located in the Çumra district of Konya, is open to visitors every day of the week which is another beautiful thing. Plus, admission is free! However, unfortunately, there are no facilities such as restaurants, cafes, or vending machines in the area. If you decide to visit Çatalhöyük, don’t forget to pack a small snack bag!
Odamax is with you so that you will not lose your comfort while discovering the wonders in Türkiye! You can check out the closest boutique hotel, hostel or resort hotel options to your destination via Odamax, and you can book the room that suits you best right away!
