Sardis (Sart)

The basics

Sardis’ main site comprises ruins from the Lydian empire—once ruled by King Croesus, famous for his wealth—during the sixth and seventh-centuries BC, alongside Roman-era remains including a gymnasium, basilica, and synagogue. A second site nearby centers on the ruins of the Greek Temple of Artemis from the third century BC.

Most visitors opt to explore Sardis’ sites on a private day trip from Izmir or Kusadasi to avoid the fuss of a rental car or public buses while benefiting from a guide who can detail the city’s history. Sardis also features on multi-day Seven Churches of Asia Minor Turkey tours, which visit the seven churches mentioned in the Bible’s Book of Revelation.

Things to know before you go

• Sardis will appeal to history buffs and archaeology enthusiasts.
• Most of the ruins are wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.
• Bring sun protection and bottled water—the sites get very hot.
• The main site has a gift shop selling souvenirs and drinks.
• Entrance tickets give access to Sardis’ main site and the Temple of Artemis site.

How to get there

Set near the village of Sart (Sartmustafa) around 56 miles (90 kilometers) from Izmir, the easiest way to visit Sardis from Izmir or Kusadasi is on a tour. Alternatively, minibusses from Izmir run via Sart to nearby Salihli. From Kusadasi, your best option, aside from a tour, is a rental car. The ruins sit beside the Izmir-Ankara E96 highway and are signposted.

When to get there

Sardis is open daily, with reduced hours between October and mid-April. Both sites are off Turkey’s main tourist trail and usually quiet, but arrive in the early morning to avoid any occasional visits by tour groups.

What to see at Sardis

Sardis was hugely powerful and wealthy, not least for its invention of coinage—pure gold and silver coins were first minted here during the sixth-century BC reign of King Croesus. By their sheer scale, the ruins provide a fascinating insight into the city’s prosperity. Be sure to view the crumpled Temple of Artemis, situated on its own site; the magnificent, reconstructed two-story Roman gymnasium; the mosaic-bedecked synagogue; Byzantine shops; and the well-preserved Byzantine latrines.

What is Sardis, Turkey, known for?

Dating back to the seventh century BC, Sardis was the capital of the Iron Age-era Lydian Empire. The Lydians invented coin money and the world’s first coins were minted there. Sardis is home to the remains of one of the world’s largest Ionic temples, a Jewish synagogue, and a Roman gymnasium.

Can I visit Sardis independently, or do I need to book a guided tour?

Yes, Sardis can be visited independently, but visiting with a guide is recommended for a better experience. A guide can help you can decipher the ruins and understand the history of the city’s prosperous heydays, first as a Lydian capital, and later ruled by the Persians, Romans, and Byzantines.

Can I visit Turkey’s Sardis on a day trip?

Yes, in fact, most people visit Sardis on a day-trip experience either from Izmir or Ephesus. From Izmir, you can reach Sardis in just over an hour by car. It’s located right along the highway from Izmir to Ankara. From Ephesus, the driving time to Sardis is closer to two hours.

Is Sardis or Ephesus better to visit?

That depends—both ancient cities are impressive sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Ephesus is larger and has more of a “wow” factor, while off-the-beaten-path Sardis is free from big crowds. Luckily, since Ephesus and Sardis are located close in distance, visitors don’t have to choose and can visit both.

How much time do I need to visit Sardis?

A typical guided tour of Sardis lasts anywhere between five hours and a full day, including round-trip transfers, typically from Izmir or Ephesus. There are also longer tour itineraries that focus on the region’s Christian or Jewish heritages. If you’re visiting Sardis independently, plan on being there for several hours.

Is Sardis included in the Seven Churches of Revelation?

Yes, Sardis is included as part of a Seven Churches of Revelation tour, a Christian-themed pilgrimage and heritage excursion. The seven churches refer to the ancient sites all believed to have been mentioned by Jesus in Revelation 1:11. The other six include Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Ephesus, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.