Explore the Fascinating History of Manisa and Sardes Antique City

Uncover the rich tapestry of Manisa and the captivating Sardes Antique City on a journey through time that spans centuries. Located in the picturesque Sart town of the Salihli district in Manisa, Sardes was once the illustrious capital of the ancient Lydian State. Here, history comes to life in every stone and inscription.

Historical Significance: The historical significance of Sardes is boundless. Encompassing a vast lower city within its Roman fortification walls, spanning approximately 127 hectares, this site witnessed occupation from the Late Bronze Age to the modern era. Although it gradually lost its prominence as a major urban center in the early seventh century AD, its legacy remained intact.

Sardes thrived as the capital city of the Lydians, an indigenous Iron Age Anatolian people. During this era, it ruled over an empire that stretched across western Anatolia in the seventh and sixth centuries BC. However, it fell to the Persians in 547 BC, becoming a pivotal satrapy within the Achaemenid Empire.

The conqueror Alexander the Great arrived in 330 BC and initiated a transformation of Sardes into a Greek polis, ushering in Greek institutions such as a council house, theater, gymnasium, and the renowned Temple of Artemis, ranking as the fourth-largest Ionic temple of antiquity. The city boasted grand colonnaded avenues, majestic imperial baths, significant temples dedicated to the Imperial cult, and even an arms factory. Notably, this period witnessed the construction of the largest synagogue known in the ancient world.

During the fourth century, Sardes emerged as a prominent Christian center, notably counted among the Seven Churches of Asia. By the close of the sixth century AD, Sardes epitomized a city steeped in heritage—an ancestral Lydian home, the birthplace of coinage, the sacred site of the Temple of Artemis, and a haven for Jewish and Christian faiths.

Manisa & Sardes Antique City Tours: Discover the wonders of Sardes and the captivating history of Manisa on our carefully curated tour. This immersive experience takes you on a journey through the annals of time, visiting iconic sites that will leave a lasting impression.

Tour Highlights:

• Acropolis
• Temple of Cybele
• Temple of Diana
• Temple of Artemis
• Roman Bath
• Church
• Pactolus
• Royal Road
• Synagogue
• Gymnasium
• Manisa
• Muradiye Mosque
• Weeping Rock of Niobe

Tour Details:

• Duration: 9 hours
• Tour Price: $130 USD per person
• Included Services: Pick-up from your hotel, Professional Tour Guide, Transportation by A/C vehicle, Entrance Tickets, Lunch, Parking fees for the vehicle, Drop-off to your hotel

Excluded Services:

• Drinks (at lunch)
• Any Private Expenses
• Optional tips to the drivers and guides

Important Information:

• We typically operate boutique tours with groups of 6 to 9 people. Contact us for private tour requests.
• Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.
• This tour may be led by a multilingual guide.
• If you have special dietary requirements, please contact the local tour provider directly (contact information provided in the voucher after booking).
• The duration of transfers is approximately 1 hour, with the exact duration dependent on the time of day and traffic conditions.
• A valid passport is required for the tour.
• Please note that this tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the captivating history of Manisa and Sardes Antique City. Explore the remnants of ancient civilizations, witness architectural marvels, and immerse yourself in a world where the past comes alive.