Architecture, Museums & Monuments in Izmir

Agora Open Air Museum

following serious earthquake damage in the 2nd century, the Agora was completely reconstructed by the Roman emperor of the time, Marcus Aurelius. Despite its considerable age, the Agora of Smyrna remains in a very good state of repair, with many Colonnades of stone Corinthian columns still standing today and providing a clear indication of how a Roman bazaar once appeared. Surrounding this ancient landmark is the remains of a Muslim cemetery, with a number of old tombstones being dotted around the perimeter. The Agora is easy to find and can be reached along the Anafartalar Caddesi, with free brochures ensuring that you will make the very most of your visit.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 17:00
Admission: free


Ephesus

                                                                (Ephesus Map)     

was an ancient Greek city, and later a major Roman city, on the west coast of Asia Minor, near present-day Selçuk, Izmir Province, Turkey. It was one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League during the Classical Greek era. In the Roman period, Ephesus had a population of more than 250,000 in the 1st century BC, which also made it one of the largest cities in the Mediterranean world
The city was famed for the Temple of Artemis (completed around 550 BC), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Emperor Constantine I rebuilt much of the city and erected new public baths. Following the Edict of Thessalonica from emperor Theodosius I, the temple was destroyed in 401 AD by a mob led by St. John Chrysostom.The town was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 614 AD. The city's importance as a commercial center declined as the harbor was slowly silted up by the Cayster River (Küçük Menderes).
Ephesus was one of the seven churches of Asia that are cited in the Book of Revelation.The Gospel of John may have been written here. The city was the site of several 5th century Christian Councils, see Council of Ephesus. It is also the site of a large gladiators' graveyard.
Today's archaeological site lies 3 kilometers southwest of the town of Selçuk, in the Selçuk district of İzmir Province, Turkey. The ruins of Ephesus are a favorite international and local tourist attraction, partly owing to their easy access from Adnan Menderes Airport and via the port of Kuşadası.

Pergamon 

The Attalid kingdom was the rump state left after the collapse of the Kingdom of Thrace. The Attalids, the descendants of Attalus, father of Philetaerus who came to power in 281 BC following the collapse of the Kingdom of Thrace, were among the most loyal supporters of Rome in the Hellenistic world. Under Attalus I (241-197 BC), they allied with Rome against Philip V of Macedon, during the first and second Macedonian Wars, and again under Eumenes II (197-158 BC), against Perseus of Macedon, during the Third Macedonian War. For support against the Seleucids, the Attalids were rewarded with all the former Seleucid domains in Asia Minor.
The Attalids ruled with intelligence and generosity. Many documents survive showing how the Attalids would support the growth of towns through sending in skilled artisans and by remitting taxes. They allowed the Greek cities in their domains to maintain nominal independence. They sent gifts to Greek cultural sites like Delphi, Delos, and Athens. They defeated the invading Celts. They remodeled the Acropolis of Pergamon after the Acropolis in Athens. When Attalus III (138-133 BC) died without an heir in 133 BC, he bequeathed the whole of Pergamon to Rome, in order to prevent a civil war.
According to the Book of Revelation, Pergamum is a dwelling place of Satan and a location of his throne, and someone called Antipas was martyred there.
The Ottoman Sultan Murad III had two large alabaster urns transported from the ruins of Pergamon and placed on two sides of the nave in the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.

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Start your exploration of the city by walking to Konak Square. This is the most large-scale square in the city, which overlooks the Gulf of Izmir. Several important tourist attractions are located in the immediate vicinity of the square. Here visitors will find a small old mosque and the tower of Saat Kule. The square is a great place for leisure walk. It is always very crowded and is distinguished by lively atmosphere. Tourists will also find Archaeological Museum not far from the square. This is one of the best known and most visited cultural institutions of Izmir. Among the items exhibited there visitors will find a collection of antique glassware, jewelry, mosaics and ancient sculptures that belong to the prehistoric era.

Museum of Ataturk also features an interesting collection of historical artifacts. The thematic of the museum’s exhibits is very diverse, but they all are somehow related to the presence of Ataturk in the city. One of the main streets of Izmir - Ataturk Caddesi – is also named in honor of Ataturk. A beautiful pathway stretches along the coast. Here tourists will find numerous attractive shops and restaurants, as well as some beautiful architectural buildings. Bazaar is located to the east of Konak Square. This is also one of the most important sights of the city. 

Bazaar is an interweaving of numerous narrow streets and alleys, the territory of which is fully occupied by various retail stores, craft shops and eating places. Tourists will also find here several old mosques and beautiful national buildings, which were built in the 18th century. It should be noted that all historical buildings of the city are regularly reconstructed, so they look very well. Caravan Bridge is one more interesting historical object. The small bridge over the Melez River was built just recently, but according to historical data a bridge was on that site even many centuries ago. That bridge was constantly used by numerous caravans that crossed the river, heading to central parts of the country.

During your walk down Ataturk Caddesi Street you can go to Republic Square and then reach to Trade harbor. This is a beautiful area numerous modern buildings, among which you will find several major shopping malls and the building of Stock Exchange - a true example of modern architecture. Many unique historic sites are located in the district with the mysterious name Roman Road. Beautiful parks, interesting monuments and ancient buildings – this is just a small part of interesting excursion sites, which can be seen during a walk along the ancient trading route.