4 Ancient Cities of Balıkesir

 

Balıkesir, where the Aegean and Marmara Seas converge at the majestic Mount Ida, a magnificent natural habitat, is not only a haven for popular sea vacation spots like Ayvalık, Akçay, and Altınoluk but also a treasure trove of historical wonders. Among the city’s unique historical assets, renowned for its refreshing vacations embraced by natural beauties preserved under various statuses, are magnificent ancient cities. In this article, we'll introduce you briefly to these ancient gems that you can explore if you prefer Balıkesir as a destination to enjoy the abundant oxygen gifted by the sea and Mount Ida.

Ancient City of Cyzicus

 

Situated at the junction of the Kapıdağı Peninsula (known as Arktonnessos in Antiquity) and the mainland, the ancient city of Cyzicus witnessed seismic tremors throughout its history, leading its inhabitants to abandon the region. However, remnants such as the three harbors, Hadrian’s Temple, and an amphitheater signify its importance as a historical settlement and trade hub. Evidence of city walls, including the Acropolis, Hytos, Hadrian's Temple's eastern gate, and the Thracian gate, has been discovered. The three galleries of Hadrian's Temple, which is believed to have been used as a lime quarry for a time, an amphitheater, and the ruins of a theater structure are among the ruins you can see in the city. 

Ancient City of Antandrus

 

Located 4 kilometers east of Altinoluk, at the foot of Mount Ida, the ancient city of Antandrus is believed to date back to the 10th century BC. Referenced in the works of famous historians Herodotus and Strabo, the city has an intriguing past. The grave gifts unearthed during the excavations in the necropolis of the city, which is thought to have been used between the 7th and 2nd centuries BC, are exhibited in the Bandırma Museum. A notable find in the city is a well-preserved Roman villa featuring remarkable floor mosaics and frescoes.

 

Ancient City of Adramyttium

 

The ruins of the ancient city of Adramyttium, nestled in the Ören neighborhood on the west coast of Burhaniye district, coalesce with the living city texture, extending throughout the neighborhood. In the city, which also gave its name to the bay, a well-preserved ancient harbor, warehouse structures dominating the harbor, Byzantine residences and daily objects, the ruins of a church, a ceramic kiln and Late Antiquity tombs were found. Ören, where you can see the city of Adramyttium, is one of Türkiye's first planned tourist resorts. With views of Mount Ida, distinctive architecture and a low-density population, Ören offers a wonderful holiday opportunity with natural and historical riches.

Ancient City of Dascylium

Near the Bird Paradise Natural Park, one of the natural marvels of Balıkesir, the ancient city of Dascylium is named after the Lydian King Dascylus, who settled in the area around 650 BC. The city, is believed to be home to one of the centers of the Satrapal administration system established by the Persians in Anatolia. Excavations have unveiled architectural elements from various periods, including Phrygian and Lydian city walls, a ceremonial road believed to have been built in the Achaemenid period, a three-room building that seems to have held administrative and religious functions, a Lydian kitchen, and the remnants of Hellenistic and medieval structures. The Bandırma Museum displays additional finds from the excavations in Dascylium, providing insight into the city's rich history.