Sagalassos Turkey April 25, 2026

 

 

Roman drain 

April 25, 2026

Sagalassos Archaeological Site, Kıraç, Ağlasun/Burdu 

Used our all Turkiye Museum Pass.  

 

When I read: "This fountain, which is a magnificent monument built between 161-180 AD, draws attention with the use of 7 different colored stones used in its construction and Afyon marble, which creates impressive games of light when it meets the water. The fountain, which was built as a badge of prestige during the Roman Empire; is a truly magnificent structure with its dimensions, sculptures in niches and waterfalls." (Turkishmuseums.com) I knew I wanted to see this ancient fountain.  The Hittite fountain we visited yesterday was not as magnificent, but equally and especially enchanting. 

 

In the Western Taurus Mountains, now called the Turkish Lakes Region, Sagalassos's history dates back to Hittite and Lydian times before Alexander the Great arrived in 333B.C. on his way to Persia.  In 25BC it became part of the Roman Empire.  Devastated by an earthquake in 518...  Skip forward to 1990 when a Belgium researched started excavation that continues today. 

The Antonine Nymphaeum a 2nd century public fountain built in the Upper Agora (market). 

 

See the water?  I could hear it from an upper trail so I left John who was far ahead of me to detour here and enjoy the magic in quiet uncrowded space. 

 

arches and columns at the corners of the upper agora where the Antonine Nymphaeum fountain is located

This view you see the same arch from above that is in my previous photo. 

the building standing highest is monument called north west heroon

 

north west heroon details on reliefs on monument

details on reliefs on monument, another side

 

 

Another fountain, not running 

 

Doric fountain house 1st century BCE  

 

 

Roman mosaic 

mosaic (we paid what we wanted to enter, and it's the first stop)

I believe from the sign that this is the house next to the library with mosaic

 

There's also a theater 

 

That's john in the theater

some of the theater is a jumble

 

jumble in another location

 

 

A short walk on a trail brought me to the tombs built into the mountainside  

rock-cut tombs

 

tombs above photos

 

 

Signs of spring everywhere at Sagalassos   

  

 

Shrubs and trees blossoms that if you look through them, you see more ruins

I first interacted with this couple at the fountain offering to take a photo of the two of them. After we traipsed all over the ruins, I spotted postcards at the shop in the parking lot.  Who was in front of me in line but the same couple! They then delivered Snickers bar to the table where I was writing the postcards. So I went to the car and grabbed two of my Doves Dark square to share with them. Interactions like this enhance my travel experience. 

https://www.turkishmuseums.com/blog/detail/4-must-see-artifacts-in-sagalassos/10056/4

 

We drove on to  Döşemealtı outside of Antalya to stay at the Evdìhan Otel for a shorter drive up to the national park to explore Termessos the next day.