Pessinus Ancient City

History & heritage

Follow the traces of an ancient sacred place.

Ballıhisar, Sivrihisar / Eskişehir

Pessinus lies at Ballıhisar, south of Sivrihisar. Its association with the Mother Goddess Kybele made it famous in antiquity, but the site also contains many later layers of settlement.

Excavations beginning in 1967 revealed a temple area, a colonnaded street, theatre remains and Byzantine buildings. Visible Roman structures should not automatically be identified with the earlier Kybele sanctuary; archaeological questions remain open.

The ancient remains share their setting with the modern village. Exploring the relationship between the excavation areas and this rural landscape is part of the visit.

Ballıhisar · History & heritage

Make the most of your visit.

Look closely

Consider details, materials and the relationship with the surrounding landscape.

Allow time

Explore at your own pace and include the neighbouring streets or permitted outdoor areas.

Visit with care

Access and opening arrangements can vary. Planning around worship and local life, and leaving historic fabric and wildlife undisturbed, helps make the visit enjoyable for everyone.

Before you go.

Access and opening arrangements can vary. Planning around worship and local life, and leaving historic fabric and wildlife undisturbed, helps make the visit enjoyable for everyone.

Area: Ballıhisar, Sivrihisar
Experience: History & heritage

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