I had such a nice morning at this jam-packed museum in the city. The facility is much larger than I expected and absolutely full of Roman treasures from the ancient cities located nearby. I would highly recommend visiting the Antalya Archaeology Museum to any history or art buff.
Perge
One ancient Roman city near Antalya is Perge. Located close by, and in remarkable condition, I hope to see these ruins at some point on this trip. Walking around the museum, I noticed that most of the artifacts and beautiful marble pieces are from Perge along with a couple of other historical cities in the region. Dating from the 2nd to 3rd century AD, most of the ruins visible today are from these centuries even though the area was settled long before that. I absolutely cannot wait to go and see this magnificent and huge ancient city.
The Museum
Located at the beginning of Konyaalti Beach, the museum is situated just inland beside a tram station. The entrance is very nondescript and understated. The cost of my ticked was TL350 ($16.80 CAD), more than I like to spend. I am finding prices in Turkey to be much higher than I had anticipated.
At the beginning of the museum is a brief history of the region with displays of stone, geography, fossils and the like. These are all in simple glass cases and quite dull. At this point I was doubting whether the cost paid was worth it.
The Rooms
But then things start to get interesting. From simple cases of pottery through a door and you are instantly overwhelmed by the beauty of the ancient roman statues before you.
Lined up against one enormously long wall, smaller rooms break right with more treasures. One is surrounded by towering gods and goddesses. On closer inspection of these marble creations, I had to marvel at the artistic talent of the carvers. Flowing garments, rippling muscles, the detail soft and pure beauty.
The Sarcophagus Room
Towards the end of the interior of the museum is the grand sarcophagus room. Again, most of these seemed to originate from excavations at Perge. These enormous boxes are incredible. Not just the carved relief but the size of them is simply stunning.
Some of the sarcophagi were from the champions of the theatre games, others from royalty and wealthy families. They are simply breathtaking in their lavishness.
Upstairs
From the sarcophagus room, I could climb a set of stairs to an upper level. Here along one wall was a very interesting series of coins from Turkey. Beginning with the very earliest use of a trading piece, right up to current day.
On the other wall were a series of treasures that have been recovered from the USA. And along the back wall were beautiful Orthodox icons.
Courtyard & Garden
From the exit doors, one can walk through a huge courtyard type area that is lined with hundreds of marble pieces from the ancient cities. Towards the end is a covered space to enjoy a refreshment from the café and a gift shop. Today I was accompanied into the café by peacocks, chickens and cats of course. 😁
The Antalya Archaeology Museum is well worth the effort of seeing if you are staying in the city. It can be reached by the nostalgic tram from Old Town, or by the promenade from Konyaalti Beach. Either way, it is a marvel of beauty and craftsmanship that is rarely seen today.
