Sardis
Sardes
The former capital of the Lydian kingdom, reputedly the birthplace of the earliest coinage, with a grand Roman bath-gymnasium and an ancient synagogue.
Sardis was the capital of Lydian King Croesus. It is believed that the world's earliest metal coins were minted here. The city later became the starting point of the Persian Royal Road and one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. The main site has a reconstructed marble facade of the Roman bath-gymnasium, a vast ancient synagogue and mosaic floors. About a kilometer away stand the giant columns of the Temple of Artemis. Admission is about €5, and opening hours are roughly 08:00–19:00 (earlier in winter). It lies about 90 km east of İzmir in the village of Sart. You can take a train to Salihli and transfer there, or drive.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–19:00 (until 17:00 in winter)
Nearby sights
- Historical Gas Factory (Havagazı Fabrikası)
- Alsancak & Kıbrıs Şehitleri Street
- Kadifekale
- Kültürpark
- Atatürk Museum (İzmir)
- Kordon Promenade
- Agora of Smyrna
- St. Polycarp Church