Sagalassos, Kibyra ancient cities in Türkiye offer journey through time

By Bilal Altıok and Ibrahim Erbay

BURDUR, Türkiye (AA) - Ancient cities of Sagalassos and Kibyra, located in southwestern Türkiye, will take their visitors on a journey through history during the holidays.

These cities, known for their monumental fountains that have been restored and supplied with water from their original, ancient sources, offer a unique opportunity to explore the past.

Sagalassos, often referred to as "the city of loves and emperors," and Kibyra, renowned as the "city of gladiators," attract those seeking an alternative route during the holiday with their impressive Roman architectural structures.

The restoration of the 1,800-year-old Antonine Fountain in Sagalassos was completed in 2010, followed by the discovery of a monumental fountain in Kibyra in 2016, which was also restorated and connected to a water source.

Both cities, which are on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, were visited by around 100,000 people during the year before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Amidst the serene ambiance of flowing water and surrounded by awe-inspiring Roman structures, these ancient sites offer a fascinating journey through time.

Ibrahim Emre Gursoy, Burdur's culture and tourism director, said the Antonine Fountain, restored using 400 blocks in Sagalassos, has been attracting considerable interest for the past 13 years.

Gursoy also stressed the restoration and revival of the 2,000-year-old monumental fountain with a circular plan in Kibyra, saying: "There are two of these fountains in Türkiye, and both of them are in Burdur. We invite visitors to explore our ancient cities during the holiday and throughout the season."

* Writing by Seda Sevencan in Istanbul.