Manisa
Destinations
The Ancient City of Thyateira is an ancient city located in the Akhisar district of Manisa and is of great importance in terms of Christian history. One of the 7 churches mentioned in the Bible, the Thyateira Church was an important center in the early Christian period. The ruins of the church are located in the city center of Akhisar today and offer important clues to the past to its visitors with its columns, stonework and architectural remains from the early Byzantine period. Thiatira was also the scene of a battle during the Roman Empire. Thyateira was an important trade and production center during the Roman period because it was located on trade routes. This city, especially famous for its dye production and fabric trade, was known for its purple fabrics. In 366 AD, the Cilician commander Procopius, who rebelled for the Roman throne and attacked with the legions under his command, and the troops of Valens, the brother of Valentinian I, the heir to the Roman throne, met in the city of Thiatira. At the end of the battle, which went down in history as the Battle of Thyatira, Valens' forces prevailed and Procopius, who was captured, was executed. The Necropolis (ancient burial ground), an important part of the ancient city, is one of the oldest burial grounds in the Akhisar area. Sarcophagi, tombstones and reliefs from the Lydian, Roman and Byzantine periods were found during the excavations here. The tomb structures provide important information about the religious beliefs and burial traditions of the people living at that time.
The Philadelphia St. Jean Church, located in the Alaşehir district of Manisa, has an important place in the history of Christianity as one of the seven churches mentioned in the Revelation section of the Bible and to which messages were sent. Built in the 6th century AD, this basilica was built in the name of Ioannes (John), one of the Apostles. Today, only three monumental pillars remain from the church, and these ruins are located in the Beşeylül Neighborhood in the Alaşehir district center. It is known that the structure originally had six supporting pillars. The ancient city of Philadelphia was founded by King Attalos II Philadelphos of Pergamon and was known as "Little Athens" during the Roman period for its temples and festivals. The city, which maintained its importance during the Byzantine period, was surrounded by sturdy walls.
Kula Fairy Chimneys are natural rock formations formed by volcanic land, also known as the "Burnt Country", located in the Kula district of Manisa. Kula, one of the regions with the most striking fairy chimneys in Turkey after Cappadocia, has a unique geological structure formed as a result of volcanic eruptions and erosion. Kula, which is included in the UNESCO Global Geopark Network, is a unique discovery point for nature and geology enthusiasts. For those who want to discover the historical texture of Kula, the Kula Ottoman Houses consist of traditional mansions with bay windows, stone and wooden architecture that carry traces of the past to the present. With its narrow stone streets, historical fountains and traditional Turkish houses, the historical neighborhoods of Kula are like an open-air museum. These houses, preserved with restoration works, are a perfect stop for those who want to get to know Ottoman civil architecture up close. Taşyaran Valley is a natural masterpiece located on the border of Uşak and Manisa. Giant rock cavities, colorful rock structures and impressive waterways formed as a result of thousands of years of wind and water erosion are the most striking features of the valley. An ideal region for nature walks, photography and exploration, Taşyaran Valley offers different beauties in every season.
Sardis Lydıan Cıty
Located in the Salihli district of Manisa, Sardis Ancient City has had great importance throughout history as the capital of the Lydian Kingdom. Becoming a major power center in the 7th century BC, Sardis is also known as the place where money was invented and minted. The most striking structures of the ancient city include the Great Gymnasium, the Temple of Artemis, the stadium and columned roads. The Gymnasium was used as an education and sports center during the Roman period. The Temple of Artemis is one of the largest ancient temples after the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus and is an important work reflecting the religious beliefs and cultural structure of Lydia.
Sardis Synagogue
Built during the Roman period, the Sardis Synagogue is known as one of the largest synagogues in the ancient world. It is known that a large Jewish community lived in Lydian lands from the 3rd century BC onwards, and this structure was an important place of worship for the Jewish community. After the devastating earthquake in 17 AD, Sardis was rebuilt and lived a prosperous life under Roman rule. The Sardis Synagogue, with its marble columns, colorful mosaics and ornate inscriptions, stands out as a religious and social structure where Jewish and Roman cultures intertwined. Along with other ruins in the ancient city, the synagogue reveals the multicultural structure and importance of Sardis.