A Hellenistic and Roman city of Pamphylia with a well-preserved colonnaded street, a large stadium, a theatre, and a monumental Hellenistic gate flanked by towers. It is the closest major ancient site to Antalya and an easy half-day trip.
Perge was one of the principal cities of ancient Pamphylia and was visited by the apostles Paul and Barnabas. The site, a short drive east of Antalya, is notable for its Hellenistic gate with two round towers, a long colonnaded street with a central water channel, a stadium seating about 12,000 spectators, and a Roman theatre. Entry costs about 600 TRY (13 USD) and is covered by the Turkey Museum Pass. Most visitors need about 1.5-2 hours. There is little shade, so a hat and water are important in summer. Many of the finest statues from Perge, including sculptures of the so-called Perge Hercules, are normally kept in the Antalya Museum in the city, but the museum is closed and being rebuilt, so the statues are currently in storage and not on display pending the new museum; check the Ministry of Culture and Tourism before travelling. Combining Perge with Aspendos and Side makes a classic Pamphylian day.
| Distance | About 15 km east of central Antalya |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 25-35 minutes by car or taxi; about 45-60 minutes by public minibus |
| Getting there | Take a Dolmuş or Antalya city bus toward Aksu from the Otogar, then walk or taxi the last kilometers to the site entrance; a taxi round trip with waiting time costs about 1,500-2,200 TRY (32-47 USD) |
| Address | Aksu, Perge Antik Kenti, 07112 Aksu/Antalya |
How to get there
- Public bus/Dolmuş: from Antalya Otogar toward Aksu, then a short taxi or walk (about 100-200 TRY / 2-4 USD in total)
- Taxi: round trip with 1.5-2 hours of waiting, about 1,500-2,200 TRY (32-47 USD)
- Rental car: about 25 minutes with free parking at the entrance
- Guided tour: usually combined with Aspendos and Side, about 1,400-2,300 TRY (30-49 USD) per person
Location
Aksu, Perge Antik Kenti, 07112 Aksu/Antalya
36.9606, 30.8531 View on map
Highlights
- Hellenistic gate with two round towers
- Colonnaded main street with central water channel
- Roman stadium that seated about 12,000 spectators
- Roman theatre and monumental nymphaeum
- Perge statues currently in storage, not on display, pending the new Antalya Museum
Tips for visiting
- Arrive at opening (around 8:30-9:00 AM) in summer, since the site has little shade
- Bring water and a hat; there is a small cafe and toilets near the entrance
- The Antalya Museum is closed for rebuilding and the Perge statues are in storage; check the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for updates
- A Museum Pass Turkey card covers entry and pays off when adding Aspendos and Side
Frequently asked questions
How far is Perge from Antalya?
About 15 km east of the city center, roughly 25-35 minutes by car or taxi.
How long does a visit to Perge take?
Most visitors spend 1.5-2 hours walking the gate, colonnaded street, stadium, and theatre.