These are four of the sites mentioned in the Seven Churches of Revelation. Located in western Turkey, near Izmir and Manisa, these ancient cities were centers of early Christianity. The Book of Revelation contains letters addressed to each of these churches, written by John of Patmos around 95 AD.
The Seven Churches of Revelation are: Ephesus, Smyrna (Izmir), Pergamon (Bergama), Thyatira (Akhisar), Sardis (Sart), Philadelphia (Alaşehir), and Laodicea. This guide covers the four lesser-visited sites. For Ephesus, Smyrna, and Pergamon, please see our individual guides.
Biblical reference: Revelation 2:18-29
Thyatira was founded by the Lydians and was called Pelopia. The coins of the ancient town give us clues to the kind of gods worshipped there.
Thyatira is now a modern city. Remains of its old self to be seen are an ancient temple, a colonnaded road, and a large church.
Location: Modern Akhisar, about 50 km northeast of Izmir.
What to see: Limited ruins. The site is within the modern city. A small museum displays local finds.
Biblical reference: Revelation 3:1-6
One of the most picturesque areas of any of the Seven Churches is the site of Sardis. Sardis became the center of one of the greatest kingdoms of the ancient world, Lydia. The famous temple of Artemis lying along the Pactolus River dates from 400 BC.
Besides the temple, there is a small Byzantine church on one corner, and the acropolis, the last meters of the Royal Road from Susa to Sardis, a number of shops, and the gymnasium.
Location: Sart, about 70 km east of Izmir.
Best preserved: The Temple of Artemis (one of the largest temples in the ancient world) and the restored gymnasium-bath complex.
Biblical reference: Revelation 3:7-13
Philadelphia was important as a place for spreading the thought patterns and activities of Hellenistic civilization and the Christian faith. On the lower sides of the city are sections of thick Byzantine walls.
Philadelphia was the only church that received no criticism from John. It was praised for its faithfulness despite having "little power."
Location: Modern Alaşehir, about 120 km east of Izmir.
What to see: Byzantine walls, a columned street, and the remains of a Byzantine basilica.
Biblical reference: Revelation 3:14-22
A large area littered with broken marble, tops of stone masonry walls, and public buildings: two theaters, a large stadium, a water tower, and an odeon. The city was at the crossroads of north-south traffic between Sardis and Perga, and east-west traffic from the Euphrates to Ephesus, so it quickly became a rich city in its time.
The letter to Laodicea criticizes the church for being "lukewarm" — neither hot nor cold — a reference to the city's water supply, which was neither the hot springs of Hierapolis (Pamukkale) nor the cold, pure water of Colossae.
Location: Near Denizli, about 6 km north of Pamukkale.
What to see: Extensive ruins including two theaters, a stadium, the Syrian Gate, and a well-preserved water tower.
Thyatira was founded by the Lydians and called Pelopia.
The city was famous for its purple dye trade.
Lydia, a seller of purple cloth, was from Thyatira (Acts 16:14).
She was Paul's first convert in Europe (Philippi).
The modern city of Akhisar has few visible ancient remains.
A small museum displays artifacts from the site.
A colonnaded street and a church have been partially excavated.
Sardis was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia.
The city was famous for its wealth, derived from gold from the Pactolus River.
King Croesus (reigned 560-546 BC) was legendary for his riches.
The Temple of Artemis dates from the 4th century BC.
It was one of the largest temples of the ancient world.
The gymnasium-bath complex has been partially restored.
The synagogue (3rd century AD) is one of the oldest known in the diaspora.
The Royal Road from Susa to Sardis ended here.
The acropolis is on a steep hill — a challenging climb with excellent views.
Philadelphia was founded in the 2nd century BC by King Attalus II of Pergamon.
The name means "brotherly love" — Attalus was loyal to his brother.
The city survived longer than any other of the Seven Churches.
It remained a Christian center until the 14th century.
Thick Byzantine walls still stand on the lower slopes of the city.
A columned street and a Byzantine basilica can be seen.
The modern city of Alaşehir has few other ancient remains.
Laodicea was founded in the 3rd century BC by Antiochus II.
He named it after his wife, Laodice.
The city was a wealthy banking and textile center.
It was famous for its black wool and a medical school that produced eye salve.
The letter to Laodicea criticizes the church for being "lukewarm."
The water supply came from Hierapolis (hot springs) via an aqueduct.
By the time water reached Laodicea, it was lukewarm — hence the metaphor.
Extensive excavations are ongoing, revealing a remarkably well-preserved city.
Major structures include two theaters, a stadium, a water tower, and the Syrian Gate.
Laodicea is rapidly becoming one of Turkey's most impressive archaeological sites.
Getting there: These sites are scattered across western Turkey. The best way to visit all four is by rental car or with a guided biblical tour. From Izmir, take the D550/E87 highway east. A suggested route: Izmir → Thyatira (Akhisar) → Sardis (Sart) → Philadelphia (Alaşehir) → Laodicea (near Denizli). Total driving time is about 4-5 hours between sites.
Alternative: Take a train from Izmir to Denizli via Alaşehir, then local transport to the sites.
Best time to visit: Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) offer mild weather. Summer (July-August) is very hot, especially at Laodicea. Winter (November-March) is cool and rainy.
How much time: Sardis (2-3 hours), Laodicea (2-3 hours), Philadelphia (1 hour), Thyatira (30-45 minutes). A full two days are needed to visit all four comfortably.
Please see our tour page for all tours in this region and around Turkey.