Once one of the wealthiest and most influential cities of the ancient Greek world, Miletus Ancient City today lies in peaceful ruins on Türkiye’s Aegean coast near the town of Balat. This historic site, located about 35 km south of Kuşadası, is a true gem for history enthusiasts.

Miletus was a major Ionian city, celebrated for its contributions to philosophy, science, and urban planning. It was the hometown of Thales, one of the first great thinkers of Western philosophy. The city’s famous grid plan, later widely adopted across the ancient world, was an architectural marvel of its time.

The highlight of Miletus is its magnificent Roman-era theater, which could seat up to 15,000 spectators and is one of the best-preserved theaters in Anatolia. Nearby, you’ll find the Baths of Faustina, built by the Romans, the remains of the Delphinium (a sanctuary dedicated to Apollo Delphinios), the Hellenistic agora, and the Byzantine-era fortress walls.

Wandering among the ruins of Miletus, visitors are treated not only to grand historical monuments but also to sweeping views of the Büyük Menderes (Maeander) River delta, making this an unforgettable experience.

Miletus can be perfectly combined with visits to Priene and Didyma for a full day immersed in ancient history.