34 Forgotten Ancient Ruins That Deserve More Attention

32. Nysa, Turkey: The Forgotten Theater of the Aegean

Nysa, tucked in the mountains of western Turkey, is a Greco-Roman city with one of the most spectacular ancient theaters in Asia Minor. Carved into a hillside, the 12,000-seat structure is remarkably intact, framed by a backdrop of cypress-covered mountains. Beyond the theater, the ruins include a gymnasium, library, Roman bridge, and agora, all shaded by olive groves and wildflowers. Unlike Ephesus or Pergamon, Nysa remains relatively quiet, offering a peaceful immersion into the daily life of a Roman provincial town. Bring a picnic and stay for the golden-hour light—the whole place glows with forgotten grandeur.