Adada Ancient City in Isparta, Türkiye, is a Pisidian settlement flourishing during the Roman Imperial Era with standing ruins including temples, a forum, theater, and acropolis that remain largely unexcavated.
A Pisidian city first mentioned in the texts of Artemidoros, identified in 1888 by G. Hirschfeld and W.M. Ramsay. Its exact founding date is unknown, but it is believed to have existed before the 1st century BC, as it minted its own coins during that time. It experienced its most brilliant period during the Roman Imperial Era, especially during the reigns of Trajan, Hadrian, and Antoninus Pius.
The city features a forum, basilica, acropolis, monumental fountain, theater, and several temples still standing. The most striking structure is the Temple of Emperors group, consisting of three temples. Most visitors take photos in front of it. The forum is a 32x45 meter area paved with regular stones, with a large cistern in the middle. The acropolis was built for defensive purposes, surrounded by city walls and towers.
Excavation work is still in its early stages. Visitors see this both as a shortcoming and as the reason for the city's unspoiled preservation. The stone-paved ancient road is one of the most impressive parts of the city, but one needs to be careful while walking due to the uneven and slippery stones. St. Paul's Way, Turkey's second-longest hiking route, also passes through here.
Guide's Note
Best Time to Visit
The city is built on a mountainous terrain with little shade. Walking in the midday heat during summer months can be challenging; some visitors recommend avoiding hot days. In spring and autumn, the weather is cooler, and the surrounding juniper-pine forest is at its most vibrant.
How to Get There
Approximately 75-90 km from Isparta city center. The most practical way is to go by private car via the D-685 highway. The Sütçüler-Isparta bus line can also be used, but reaching the city itself from the village requires walking or another vehicle. It is 2 km from Sağrak Village, the last part being a dirt road.
How Much Time to Allocate
Exploring the city itself takes 1.5-2.5 hours. For those who want to walk a part of St. Paul's Way, this period can extend to half a day; the route extends up to 9-10 km via Boğazköy.
What to See
After the entrance, the first thing that catches the eye is the stone-paved ancient road. Following that are the forum and the large cistern in its center, then the Temple of Emperors group consisting of three temples. This is the most photographed spot in the city. If time and condition permit, it is also possible to climb to the acropolis to see the city walls and theater ruins.
Things to Pay Attention To
The ancient road is uneven and full of loose stones. Several visitors state that they walked carefully even with trekking shoes here. Some complain about the lack of signs or markers directing to the King's Road, so marking the route on a map beforehand helps. It is necessary to bring water and sun protection, as shaded areas are limited.
Good Spots for Photos
The front of the Temple of Emperors is the most preferred photo spot in the city. The colonnaded galleries (stoas) in the forum and the valley view seen from the acropolis are among other prominent shots.
Current State of the City
Excavation work is still in its early stages, so a large part of the city remains underground. Some visitors see this as the reason why the city still preserves its untouched atmosphere, while others expect more serious excavation and conservation work to be done. It is a quiet, secluded place; it offers a different experience for those accustomed to crowded ancient cities.
This content originates from neresigezilir.com.tr and may not be copied without permission.
Adada Ancient City Videos
Adada Ancient City videos load when you open this section to keep the page fast.
Show videos
FAQ
Updated:
