Asklepion (Health Center of the Ancient Period)

Asklepion, located in the Bergama district of Izmir, is one of the most important health centers of the ancient era. Dedicated to the god of healing Asclepius, this temple was a medical center where methods such as water therapies, herbal treatments, psychotherapy and music therapy were applied. It is known that the famous doctor Galen received training here. The ancient hospital complex attracts attention with its structures such as treatment rooms, sacred water source and theater.

Red Basilica

One of the largest Roman structures in Bergama, the Red Basilica was first built as a temple dedicated to the Egyptian gods Serapis and Isis. The temple was probably built in the 2nd century AD during the Roman Empire, probably during the time of Hadrian. This impressive structure, which was later converted into a church during the Byzantine period, is called the "Red Basilica" because of its giant red bricks. This historical site, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is of great importance in terms of ancient Roman and Christian history.

For those who want to explore both health history and religious heritage, these two important points in Bergama are among the must-visit places.

Alaçatı is famous for its traditional architecture, boutique hotels, and historic windmills. The windmills, perched on hills overlooking the town, date back to the 19th century and are iconic symbols of the region. The area offers:

• Perfectly preserved stone houses
• Historic windmills with panoramic views
• Traditional cafes and restaurants
• Artisan shops and galleries

The Çeşme Fortress, built in the 16th century, now houses the Museum of Archaeology. The museum displays artifacts from ancient civilizations that inhabited the region, including:

• Ancient pottery and glassware
• Coins and jewelry
• Maritime artifacts
• Ottoman period exhibits

Located in the Bergama district of Izmir, the Bergama Archaeological Museum is an important museum that displays the rich heritage of the ancient city of Pergamon. Opened in 1936, the museum houses artifacts unearthed from the Pergamon Acropolis, Asklepion and surrounding excavation sites. The vast majority of artifacts in the museum are artifacts found as a result of excavations in and around Bergama, while the Ethnography section displays traditional rugs, fabrics, carpets, weaving samples and hand embroidery from the Izmir region. For history and archaeology enthusiasts, the Bergama Archaeological Museum is a must-visit spot to explore the ancient world. The museum is open every day of the week between 08:30 and 17:00.

The Ephesus Museum of Archaeology in Selçuk houses an incredible collection of artifacts discovered in the ancient city of Ephesus. Highlights include:

• The famous Artemis statues
• Gladiator monuments
• Ephesian coins and jewelry
• Architectural elements from major buildings
• Roman period sculptures and reliefs

The museum's modern presentation and detailed explanations make it an essential complement to visiting the ancient site. The collection provides invaluable insights into daily life, religion, and art in ancient Ephesus.

The Temple of Artemis, located in the Selçuk district of Izmir, is a magnificent structure considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Dedicated to Artemis, the patron goddess of Ephesus, the temple was built in the 6th century BC and is known as one of the largest temples in the ancient world. Although the temple was once a place of worship for people, it was also used as a shelter for criminals and prostitutes because it had immunity, and it is known that wealthy people kept their money and valuables in this temple. Although only a few columns remain from the temple today, it continues to fascinate visitors as a monument reflecting the magnificence of the Hellenistic period and the religious importance of Ephesus. It is a historical point that must be seen together with the Ancient City of Ephesus and the Ephesus Archaeological Museum.

The ancient city of Ephesus is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Mediterranean region. This UNESCO World Heritage site features:

• The magnificent Library of Celsus
• The Great Theater
• The Temple of Hadrian
• Curetes Street
• The Marble Street
• Public latrines and baths
• The Commercial Agora

Walking through Ephesus offers an unparalleled glimpse into life in a major Roman city. The site's excellent preservation and ongoing archaeological work continue to reveal new insights into ancient urban life.

The Terrace Houses in the Ancient City of Ephesus were luxurious residences used by wealthy merchants and prominent families of the Roman period. Built on a hillside overlooking the Küçük Menderes Valley, these houses stand out with their fresco-adorned walls, mosaic floors, marble coverings and advanced water systems. The Terrace Houses area, where the prominent people of Ephesus lived in ancient times, was a cemetery in the Hellenistic period before being converted into living space by the Romans. The houses, whose first construction date was determined as the 1st century AD, were used until the city was abandoned with various additional changes in later years. The interior architecture of the houses reflects the Roman lifestyle and artistic taste of the period. Large courtyards, baths, dining rooms and rich decorations show the high status of the people living here. Especially the frescoes decorated with mosaics and mythological scenes reveal the artistic mastery of the ancient period. Exhibited in a protected glass structure, the Terrace Houses are one of the best-preserved areas of Ephesus. For those who want to discover what luxury life was like in ancient Rome, the Ephesus Terrace Houses are a must-see historical treasure.

The Basilica of Saint John was built in the 6th century AD over the believed burial site of John the Apostle. This important pilgrimage site includes:

• The tomb of St. John
• Impressive Byzantine architecture
• Beautiful baptistery
• Marble courtyard
• Panoramic views of Selçuk

The basilica's ruins and historical significance make it a crucial site for understanding early Christianity in Asia Minor.

The House of the Virgin Mary, located at the foot of Mount Bülbül in the Selçuk district of İzmir, is an important pilgrimage center considered sacred for the Christian world. According to tradition, after the crucifixion of Jesus, his mother Mary came to Ephesus with the apostle St. John and spent the last years of her life there. Discovered in the 19th century through visions seen by a German nun, this small stone house is considered sacred by both Christians and Muslims today. Officially recognized by the Vatican, the House of the Virgin Mary has been visited by important religious leaders such as Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II. Outside the temple, there is a kind of wish wall where visitors can tie their personal intentions with paper or cloth. There are various fruit trees, flowers and additional lighting outside the temple for better observation of the house. There is also a kind of fountain or well that some visitors believe has extraordinary fertility and healing powers. This sacred place, with its peaceful atmosphere in nature, offers an unforgettable experience for worshippers and history enthusiasts.

The Agora of Smyrna, located in the Konak district of Izmir, is an important center of trade and social life from the Ancient Roman period. Built in the 4th century BC, this area was rebuilt after a major earthquake during the reign of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius and took its current form. The Agora, with its columned galleries, ruins of shops, wide stone roads and still-flowing aqueducts, reveals the trade and social life of the ancient era. Here, merchants, artists and the public would come together to shop, hold discussions and contribute to the administration of the city. The vaulted cellars beneath the Agora reflect the impressive engineering skills of Roman architecture.

Located in the Konak district of Izmir, the Izmir Archaeological Museum is one of the most important museums that showcase the rich history of the region. Founded in 1927 and later moved to its modern building, the museum has a large collection from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods. The most striking works in the museum include the bust of the goddess of health Hygieia and the Bronze Running Athlete. In the Treasury Room, coins from the Ottoman and Roman periods are listed chronologically. The statues of Poseidon and Demeter are the most striking pieces in the museum. For those who want to explore the thousands of years of history of Izmir and its surroundings, the Izmir Archaeological Museum is a cultural treasure that must be visited. The museum offers a unique experience to history enthusiasts with its detailed display layout and interactive presentations.

The Culture & Arts Factory combines archaeology and ethnography in a unique industrial setting. This renovated factory space features:

• Modern art exhibitions
• Archaeological displays
• Ethnographic collections
• Cultural events and workshops
• Interactive installations

The venue successfully bridges İzmir's past and present, creating a dynamic space for cultural engagement.

The historic Kızlarağası Inn in the heart of Kemeraltı represents Ottoman commercial architecture at its finest. The area features:

• Traditional craftsmen's workshops
• Historic caravanserai architecture
• Local shops and cafes
• Traditional bazaar atmosphere

The surrounding Kemeraltı Old Town is İzmir's historic shopping district, offering:

• Historic mosques and synagogues
• Traditional markets
• Local cuisine
• Authentic urban atmosphere

The charming coastal town of Foça offers a blend of history and nature:

• Historic windmills overlooking the sea
• Traditional stone houses
• Ancient city walls
• Natural harbor
• Mediterranean monk seal habitat

The area's wildlife park is home to protected species and offers opportunities for nature observation.

The Temple of Apollo at Claros was an important ancient oracle center. The site features:

• Sacred pool
• Temple foundations
• Ancient inscriptions
• Oracle chamber
• Ceremonial pathway

This less-visited site offers insights into ancient Greek religious practices and oracle traditions.

Urla district of Izmir is one of the most important wine production centers of the Aegean with thousands of years of viticulture tradition passed down from generation to generation. You can explore and taste boutique wineries and vineyards in the region on the Urla Vineyard Road. Wine producers in Urla produce high-quality wines with both traditional and modern techniques. Here, it is possible to taste wines made with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and local Anatolian grapes. Wine tasting events, vineyard tours and gastronomy experiences organized in the wineries offer visitors an enjoyable day.

Key Museum, located in the Torbalı district of Izmir, is one of the largest and most prestigious classic car and motorcycle museums in Turkey. With an indoor area of 7,000 square meters, this museum, which houses the most special collections of automotive history, offers a unique experience for both classic car enthusiasts and those interested in history. Murat Özgörkey, who started his interest in collecting matchboxes in his childhood and continued with model cars in the 90s, turned his interest into collecting over time, and Selim Özgörkey, who was a rally pilot who also participated in race tracks with his passion for motor sports, started to acquire the pieces in the Key Museum in 2001 and have signed a collection that grows every day. More than 130 classic cars and 40 motorcycles dating from the 1920s to the present are exhibited in the museum. Collectible vehicles belonging to world-famous brands such as Rolls-Royce, Cadillac, Ferrari, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz reveal different periods of automobile design. In addition, old gas pumps, model cars, mascots and various objects related to the history of the automobile complete the nostalgic atmosphere of the museum. The museum is open every day except Monday and Tuesday from 09:30 to 16:30

Located in the Torbalı district of Izmir, Lucien Arkas Vineyards is one of the largest single-parcel organic vineyards in Turkey. Spread over a vast area of 1,000 acres, these vineyards are an important center for the production of quality wines with both local and international grape varieties. Along with world-renowned grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah, the vineyards also grow local Anatolian grapes. Offering wine tasting events, vineyard tours, and special gastronomy experiences, the facility offers wine enthusiasts a unique experience in a pleasant atmosphere surrounded by nature.

Birgi Village, located in the Ödemiş district of İzmir, is a settlement that draws attention with its stone streets, historical mansions and mystical atmosphere dating back to the Ottoman and Seljuk periods. This village, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List, has one of the best-preserved historical textures in the Aegean. Çakırağa Mansion was built in the 18th century by the Ottoman merchant Çakıroğlu Mehmet Bey and is one of the most beautiful examples of Ottoman civil architecture. The interior of the mansion is decorated with magnificent wall paintings inspired by Istanbul and İzmir, and its magnificent woodwork is striking. Birgi Ulu Mosque, one of the most important religious structures in the village, was built in the 14th century during the Aydınoğulları Principality. It is a beautiful example of pre-Ottoman Turkish architecture with its wooden ceiling, elegant stonework and simple but impressive architecture.

The Tire City Museum documents the local history and culture:

• Archaeological artifacts
• Ethnographic displays
• Local history exhibits
• Traditional crafts
• Cultural heritage documentation

The museum helps preserve and present the rich cultural heritage of Tire and its surroundings.

Located near the Torbalı district of Izmir, the Ancient City of Metropolis is an important archaeological site that draws attention with its ruins from the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods. Metropolis, which means "City of the Mother Goddess", has had a strategic position throughout history due to its location on trade routes. The ancient city contains impressive structures such as Roman baths, agora, theater, villas decorated with mosaics and temple ruins. Its well-preserved theater, in particular, offers visitors important clues about the social and cultural life of the ancient period. In addition, the inscriptions and ruins discovered here show that Metropolis also played a major role as a trade and art center.