Known as the City of Eternal Love, Stratonikia is an ancient place with a parade of historic periods on display. On this tour, you'll explore one of Turkey's most enthralling archaeological sites before heading on to nearby Lagina, home of the renowned Hecate Sanctuary.
The tour begins with a guided visit to Stratonikeia, an ancient city founded in the 3rd century BC by the Seleucid king Antiochus I and named after his wife, Stratonice. It was a significant city in the region during the Hellenistic period and served as a centre for trade and commerce. On arrival, you'll be offered a cup of traditional Turkish tea, while snacks such as gözleme – a filled Turkish flatbread or toasted sandwiches will be available to buy if you'd like something to snack on. As you wander past grand colonnades, Roman baths and cobbled streets, you'll reach the impressive theatre that once seated around 12,000 spectators – it's a glimpse into the city's glorious past.
After exploring Stratonikeia, you'll continue to Lagina, the sacred centre dedicated to Hecate, the goddess associated with magic, the night, the moon, crossroads and the supernatural. The site's entrance, ceremonial route and temple ruins give a real sense of the rituals that once took place here, making it one of the region's most intriguing ancient sanctuaries.
