Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Türkiye (Turkey)

Türkiye is where worlds meet—East and West, ancient and modern, nature and culture. It’s a place layered with stories. And when it comes to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it’s like stepping into a living museum. Think legendary ruins, magical landscapes, and cities that have seen centuries pass by. From myths carved in stone to surreal natural wonders, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Türkiye are nothing short of breathtaking.

Pamukkale – The Cotton Castle of Dreams

This one’s a double delight. On one side, you’ve got Hierapolis, an ancient Greco-Roman spa town with grand ruins, a massive theater, and sacred temples. On the other, Pamukkale, a natural wonder made up of glowing white terraces formed by calcium-rich thermal waters.

For centuries, people have soaked in these warm, mineral-rich springs. Romans came here to heal and relax—and let’s be honest, who wouldn’t? It’s a magical blend of history and nature all in one stunning place.

Göreme National Park & the Rock Sites of Cappadocia

Cappadocia looks like it belongs on another planet. Towering fairy chimneys, surreal valleys, and homes carved straight into the soft volcanic rock. But it’s not just pretty—it’s packed with history.

Early Christians carved churches, homes, and underground cities right into the cliffs. Step inside and you’ll find ancient frescoes still clinging to the cave walls. It’s a breathtaking mix of geology and human creativity, all wrapped up in one otherworldly destination.

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Updated List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Türkiye

This fascinating country, Turkiye, with an enormous chest of cultural jewels, is a traveler’s dream trip. Adventurers from across the world come to walk in the footsteps of what today is only a memory from ancient times.

As per the UNESCO official listing, the following destinations are also official World Heritage Sites in Türkiye.

Aphrodisias (2017)
Archaeological Site of Ani (2016)
Archaeological Site of Troy (1998)
Arslantepe Mound (2021)
Bursa and Cumalıkızık: the Birth of the Ottoman Empire (2014)
City of Safranbolu (1994)
Diyarbakır Fortress and Hevsel Gardens Cultural Landscape (2015)
Ephesus (2015)
Göbekli Tepe (2018)
Gordion (2023)
Great Mosque and Hospital of Divriği (1985)
Hattusha: the Hittite Capital (1986)
Historic Areas of Istanbul (1985)
Nemrut Dağ (1987)
Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük (2012)
Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape (2014)
Selimiye Mosque and its Social Complex (2011)
Wooden Hypostyle Mosques of Medieval Anatolia (2023)
Xanthos-Letoon (1988)

So, if you’re planning a trip to Türkiye, don’t just skim the surface. These UNESCO sites are the heart and soul of the country. Every one of them tells a story—of empires, faith, resilience, and beauty.

Feeling inspired? Head over to our blog for travel tips, hidden gems, and more ways to make your Turkish adventure even more unforgettable. Your journey through time starts here.