Best Perge Tours & Things to Do | Turkey Tours

✓ Last reviewed: May 2026 — Verified and updated by our licensed Turkey travel experts. Quick Answer: A visit to the ancient city of Perge in Turkey requires at least 3-4 hours to explore its main sights. Plan for a full day if combining it with nearby Aspendos and Side. The best time to visit is during the spring ( April-May ) or autumn ( September-October ) for pleasant weather, with entrance fees typically around $10-15 USD per person. What Exactly Is The Ancient City Of Perge? Imagine a metropolis so grand that its streets were cooled by a flowing water channel, where 15,000 spectators cheered gladiators, and where St. Paul delivered his first sermon. That is Perge (also spelled Perga), an exceptionally well-preserved archaeological marvel just 18 km east of modern Antalya, Turkey . It was once the powerful capital of the Roman province of Pamphylia Secunda, a title that hints at its immense wealth and influence. Unlike some fragments of ruins scattered across a field, Perge offers an immersive experience. You can walk its majestic colonnaded streets, stand in the center of its massive stadium, and trace the outlines of shops, baths, and temples, feeling the palpable ghost of a city that shaped history. Its ruins are so extensive and intact that they provide one of the most complete pictures of life in a Roman Anatolian city, making it a cornerstone of any historical exploration of southern Turkey . Why Should I Prioritize a Visit to Perge, Turkey? With countless ancient sites scattered across Turkey , you might wonder what makes Perge a must-see destination. The answer lies in its unique combination of scale, preservation, and historical significance. It isn't just another ruin; it's a walk-through textbook of Roman urban planning and artistry. A Journey Through Layers of History Perge ’s story is a microcosm of Anatolian history. Its origins likely date back to the Hittite period around 1500 BC , but it flourished after its peaceful surrender to Alexander the