Nysa, an ancient city in modern-day Turkey’s Aydın Province, lies about 50 kilometers east of Ephesus. It was an important city in the regions of Caria and later Lydia, playing a significant role in the Roman Empire. The city was notable for its educational importance, and according to ancient sources, the geographer Strabo was educated there. The city’s well-preserved ruins, particularly from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods, demonstrate its cultural and architectural significance.

Nysa, an ancient city in modern-day Turkey’s Aydın Province, lies about 50 kilometers east of Ephesus. It was an important city in the regions of **Caria** and later **Lydia**, playing a significant role in the Roman Empire. The city was notable for its **educational importance**, and according to ancient sources, the geographer **Strabo** was educated there. The city's well-preserved ruins, particularly from the **Hellenistic**, **Roman**, and **Byzantine** periods, demonstrate its cultural and architectural significance. In **Greek mythology**, Nysa was associated with **Dionysus**, the god of wine, who was believed to have been born or raised in the city. This connection with Dionysus made the city symbolically linked to the cultivation of grapes and wine-making, which was a key element of its identity. The city was established by **Antiochus I Soter**, who named it after his wife, **Nysa**. One of the most distinctive aspects of Nysa is its **bifurcation**, as the city was divided into two parts by a steep ravine. A **bridge** connected the two halves, showcasing the city's impressive engineering skills. Among the ruins are notable structures like the **theater**, **gymnasium**, **agora**, and an impressive **Bouleuterion** (council chamber). The theater is especially remarkable for its friezes depicting scenes from the life of **Dionysus**. During the Roman period, Nysa flourished and became an important cultural and educational hub. The city's **library** and **gymnasium** played crucial roles in the intellectual life of the region. Though the **Hellenistic city walls** are no longer visible, traces of the **Byzantine** walls remain. The city was eventually abandoned after being sacked by **Tamerlane** in 1402. Nysa’s rich history and its ruins reflect the architectural grandeur of the **Roman Imperial** period, and it holds a significant place in the study of ancient Anatolian cities.

One of the most distinctive aspects of Nysa is its bifurcation, as the city was divided into two parts by a steep ravine. A bridge connected the two halves, showcasing the city’s impressive engineering skills. Among the ruins are notable structures like the theater, gymnasium, agora, and an impressive Bouleuterion (council chamber). The theater is especially remarkable for its friezes depicting scenes from the life of Dionysus.

library and gymnasium

During the Roman period, Nysa flourished and became an important cultural and educational hub. The city’s library and gymnasium played crucial roles in the intellectual life of the region. Though the Hellenistic city walls are no longer visible, traces of the Byzantine walls remain. The city was eventually abandoned after being sacked by Tamerlane in 1402.

Nysa’s rich history and its ruins reflect the architectural grandeur of the Roman Imperial period, and it holds a significant place in the study of ancient Anatolian cities.

Nysa is located near the town of Sultanhisar, about 50 kilometers east of Aydın in southwestern Turkey. The easiest way to reach Nysa is by car, following the Aydın-Denizli highway and taking the turnoff for Sultanhisar. The drive from Aydın takes about 45 minutes. Public buses are also available from Aydın to Sultanhisar, and from there, a short taxi ride will take you to the site. Nysa is known for its well-preserved ancient structures, including its theater and the impressive bridge connecting the city over a ravine.

Theater

Theater columns

The library of Nysa

You can also explore several nearby historical spots around Nysa. These close-by attractions offer further insight into the rich history of the region and are easily accessible for visitors wanting to extend their journey: