Top Tourist Attractions in Turkey (Ticket & Entrance Fee)

Turkey is a stunning location that bridges Asia and Europe. It is teeming with historic sites left over from a succession of dynasties and has breathtaking landscape. Visitors are enthralled by its dynamic culture, delectable cuisine, and extensive history, and its breathtaking scenery, which ranges from the sun-drenched Mediterranean to the majestic mountains and barren steppe, is a draw in and of itself.

Istanbul

Known as the meeting point of East and West, Istanbul, the largest metropolis in Europe today, is situated on both sides of the Bosphorus. Istanbul is a vibrant city with a lot to offer visitors from all over the world. It wears its cultures and history proudly. Having been established in the Neolithic era, Istanbul is a contemporary metropolis that honors its past with Byzantine structures and medieval bazaars.

Hagia Sophia

• Address: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
• Opening hours: All day
• Entrance fee: Free

Constructed in 532 as the biggest house of worship on Earth, the Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) changes with the times without ever losing its magnificence. The pink-hued Old City structure, which was converted from a cathedral to a mosque during the Ottoman Empire and became a museum in 1935, is one of Istanbul’s must-see sights.

The spectacular Hagia Sophia in Turkey is a riot of soaring domes and mismatched minarets erected throughout the course of its lengthy history. The interior of the towering building is a soaring series of arched and domed chambers, centered on the large dome that gives the church its extraordinary feeling of space and the shell-like apse. The golden Christian mosaics and vibrant Byzantine paintings that the Ottomans painted over are still being uncovered.

Galata Tower

• Address: Bereketzade, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey
• Opening hours: 08:30 – 22:00
• Galata Tower Entrance fee: 650 TL

The 14th-century Genoese presence in Constantinople is the origin of Istanbul’s Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi), which rises far above its eponymous district. Galata Tower is a well-known landmark on the skyline of Istanbul, with its conical roof and stone construction. The Ottomans in the eighteenth century utilized the tower’s breathtaking views to locate fires. You may access a viewing platform under the roof, with panoramic views of the Beyoglu area and the Old City peninsula, via an elevator.

Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)

• Address: Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:10, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
• Opening hours: 08:30 – 18:45
• Entrance fee: Free

One of the main points of interest in Istanbul is the Blue Mosque, which provides visitors with the chance to see a functioning house of worship in the old Sultanahmet district.  On the Old City peninsula of Istanbul, visit the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) to witness the magnificence of Ottoman architecture. With its 20,000 blue Iznik tiles adorning its interior and its six minarets dotting the Istanbul skyline, the 1616-opened structure was meant to rival the Byzantine-era Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) across the street. Take a stroll around the spacious courtyard and stop to take in the ambience of the mosque’s expansive, curved interior, which is lit up by cascading domes.

Dolmabahce Palace

• Address: Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe Cd., 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey
• Opening hours: 09:00 – 17:00
• Dolmabahce Palace Entrance fee as follows

Before the Ottoman Empire collapsed, the sultans lived at Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi), which was constructed in an elegant European style in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Sultan Abdulmecid I came up with the concept for Dolmabahce Palace, which was intended to resemble the modern architecture of opulent European mansions. The palace was home to the final six sultans of the Ottoman Empire as well as Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the first president of Turkey (then known as the Republic of Türkiye). It’s still intact today, preserved as a lavish museum that showcases the ornate elements from the early 1900s. The interior’s lavish carpets, marble stairways, and enormous crystal chandeliers all showcase Istanbul’s transition to a more European mindset.

Topkapi Palace

• Address: Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
• Opening hours: 09:00 – 18:00 (except Tuesday)
• Topkapi Palace Entrance fee: 1,500 TL

Explore the expansive Topkapi Palace in Istanbul to gain an understanding of the history of both the Ottoman Empire and Turkey, formally known as the Republic of Türkiye. The property features a view of the Golden Horn and Bosphorus, as well as tastefully decorated rooms, beautifully planted grounds, and modest museum items to peruse. View the Ottoman sultan’s imperial complex at Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi), which served as the capital city of Istanbul’s royal home for the first 400 years of the Ottoman Empire. The palace is made up of several courtyards and structures, including as royal quarters, harems, an armory, treasury, and imperial halls, all of which have elaborate Iznik tilework and lavish architecture.

Basilica Cistern

• Address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
• Opening hours: 09:00 – 22:00
• Entrance fee: 660 TL

Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi) is not your typical subterranean well; it is both beautiful and unsettling. The massive cistern, which dates back to the Byzantine era, was constructed in the middle of the 500s on the site of a previous basilica. What was essentially underground water storage is now graced with more than 300 marble columns that create a stately and tranquil environment.

Suleymaniye Mosque

• Address: Süleymaniye, Prof. Sıddık Sami Onar Cd. No:1, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
• Opening hours: 08:30 – 16:45
• Entrance fee: Free

One of Istanbul’s most recognizable sights is the Süleymaniye Mosque, which is perched on a hill above the Sultanahmet neighborhood. It was constructed for Sultan Süleyman I, also referred to as Süleyman the Magnificent, who ruled from 1520 to 1566. Sinan, a well-known Ottoman architect, was in charge of many of the beloved Ottoman-era structures in Turkey, such as the Selimiye Mosque in Edirne. The interior of the Süleymaniye Mosque is distinguished by its harmonious proportions and cohesive architecture, which are dominated by its majestic 53-meter-tall dome. The remarkable Ottoman-era cemetery is located outdoors in the peaceful garden area. It has the türbes (tombs) of the Sultan Süleyman and his wife Haseki Hürrem Sultan, also known as Roxelana outside of Turkey.

Egyptian Bazaar

• Address: Rüstem Paşa, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
• Opening hours: 08:00 – 19:30
• Entrance fee: Free

Constructed during the 17th century, Istanbul’s aromatic center for everything savory is the covered Spice Bazaar. Constructed initially as a component of the New Mosque complex, the bazaar is a well-liked central location where stores offering colorful Turkish delight, silk scarves, and glass mosaic lamps coexist with those selling pepper, saffron, teas, and dried apricots. Spend some time chatting, drinking tea, and haggling over the best deal.

Istanbul Archaeological Museums

• Address: Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
• Opening hours: 09:00 – 18:30
• Entrance fee: 340 TL

The huge diversity of artifacts from Turkey and around the Middle East that span this region’s ancient history is brought together by the Istanbul Archaeology Museum. The museum complex is divided into three distinct areas, all of which are worthwhile visits.

The pre-Islamic art and legacy of the Middle East is shown in a collection held in the Museum of the Ancient Orient.

Osman Hamdi Bey, the Ottoman architect, discovered the renowned sarcophaguses from Sidon, Lebanon, which are housed in the main Archaeology Museum together with other statues and tombs. The Istanbul through the Ages display area, which aids in visualizing the city’s extensive and magnificent past, is also located here.

Mehmet the Conqueror constructed the third structure in the museum, the Tiled Pavilion, which holds a large collection of ceramic artwork.

Antalya

Aspendos and Antalya’s maze-like core old town are two of the greatest spots to visit if you want to get your sightseeing fix. The city is also well-positioned to serve as your base for day trips around the ancient tourist sites dotted across the surrounding hills. Moreover, Antalya is known for its beaches that border the shore and for boat tours that provide breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.

Duden Waterfalls

• Address: Varsak Mahallesi Düden Şelalesi Parkı içi, Kepez/Antalya, Turkey
• Opening hours: All day
• Entrance fee: Free

Situated in the southern Turkish province of Antalya, the Duden Waterfalls are a stunning natural marvel that attracts a lot of tourists. At the end of the Duden River, which meanders through the Taurus Mountains before plunging over a cliff into a valley along the Mediterranean, are the Duden Waterfalls. The top portion of the falls, which consists of two cascades, is 65 feet (20 meters) broad and around 50 feet (15 meters) tall. The Duden Waterfalls, surrounded by lovely gardens, are a well-liked picnic location and day trip destination from Antalya. A favorite swimming spot is a natural cave located behind the falls.

Antalya Old Town

• Address: Kaleici, Antalya, Turkey
• Opening hours: All day
• Entrance fee: Free

The Old Town (Kaleiçi) of Antalya is still the center of this contemporary Turkish metropolis. It’s the most atmospheric neighborhood in the city, with a maze of tiny, twisting lanes studded with classic wooden houses, pubs, restaurants, and boutique hotels in the Ottoman style. The majority of tourists begin their tours of Antalya by walking about Kaleiçi, taking in the sights. Historic sites including Hadrian’s Gate, the Tekeli Mehmet Paşa mosque from the 18th century, the Selçuk period Fluted Minaret, and the ancient Clock Tower are frequently included in guided walking tours. The historic harbor and Antalya Marina are located on Kaleiçi’s western side. From here, boat trips depart toward the neighboring Duden Waterfalls and the Mediterranean coast.

Antalya Archeology Museum

• Address: Bahçelievler, Konyaaltı Cd. No:88, 07050 Muratpaşa/Antalya, Turkey
• Opening hours: 08:30 – 17:30
• Entrance fee: 340 TL

The most significant and well-known museum in the city is the Antalya Museum, also known as the Antalya Archaeology Museum. Lycia, Pamphylia, and Pisidia, the three greatest ancient regions, are all represented by their traces. The most significant exhibits are the enormous sarcophagi, the extremely well-preserved Roman statues and sculptures, and the remnants of the ancient Perge theater. Prehistoric artifacts, mosaics, icons, emperor sculptures, marble portraits, pottery, sarcophagi, coins, and other anthropological findings are all on show in the exhibition rooms. The most visited area of the museum is the “Hall of Gods” display hall, where you can view sculptures and busts of Greek gods and goddesses from the second century, such as Zeus, Athena, and Aphrodite.

Perga

• Address: Barbaros Perge Yolu, Aksu, Antalya, Turkey
• Opening hours: All day
• Entrance fee: Free

The most important Roman remains in the area are located northeast of Antalya. The Hittites founded the Bronze Age city of Perge, which under Roman rule developed into one of the most exquisite and learned cities in antiquity, drawing such luminaries as the physician Asklepiades, the philosopher Varius, and Apollonius, an apprentice of Archimedes. Stroll along the lengthy colonnaded avenue toward the entrance surrounded by towers, and then proceed to the large Greco-Roman theater with a stadium seating 12,000 people and stunning marble reliefs. Visit the public baths and agora to get a sense of everyday life, and stand where Saint Paul delivered his first sermon in 46 AD.

Köprülü Canyon

• Address: Bozyaka, Antalya, Turkey
• Opening hours: All day
• Entrance fee: Free

Köprülü Canyon is one of Turkey’s most remarkable natural wonders, stretching 14 miles (22.5 kilometers) amid towering rock stacks and steep cliffs, with some sections reaching up to 1,312 feet (400 meters) in height. Located at the heart of Köprülü Canyon National Park, the canyon was carved out of the limestone cliffs by the Koprucay River. It is well known as one of Turkey’s top—and most beautiful—locations for white-water rafting. Usually leaving from Antalya, Kemer, or Belek, full-day rafting cruises provide the opportunity to bathe in the river, hike into the canyon, or have lunch at one of the numerous beachfront restaurants. Along the Koprucay River, thrill-seekers may also partake in canyoning, quad-bike tours, or buggy safaris, with opportunities to swim or trek along the riverbank.

Ankara

Ankara is a fantastic destination if learning about the depth of Turkey’s history is one of your main trip objectives. This is the location of the nation’s best museum as well as Atatürk’s tomb, two of the most significant historic tourism destinations in the nation. Additionally, a leisurely walk around Ankara’s citadel area provides an insight into the city’s past before it was elevated to capital status.

Anıtkabir

• Address: Yücetepe, Akdeniz Cd. No:31, 06570 Çankaya/Ankara, Turkey
• Opening hours: 09:00 – 16:00
• Entrance fee: Free

Perched on a hilltop overlooking Ankara, the Atatürk Mausoleum (Anıtkabir) is a contemporary mausoleum and complex containing the burial of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the 1938-deceased founder of Turkey (formally known as the Republic of Türkiye). Constructed between 1944 and 1953, the complex welcomes hundreds of tourists and Turkish citizens who come to pay tribute to the well-respected leader. The tomb and a museum enclose the expansive, arcaded courtyard that is reached via a stately avenue flanked by lion statues. Head to the museum to watch a multimedia exhibition on Atatürk’s life and relics like his cars and writings. After entering the large mausoleum, you can see the marble cenotaph beneath which his grave rests.

Ankara Castle

• Address: Kale, 06240 Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey
• Opening hours: 10:00 – 20:00 (Monday – Friday) | 08:00 – 21:00 (Saturday – Sunday)
• Entrance fee: Free

The most impressive feature in the city is Ankara Castle (Ankara Kalesi), sometimes called Ankara Citadel (Hisar), which sits on a hilltop overlooking Ankara Old Town. Encircled by defensive walls from the 7th and 9th centuries, its streets have Ottoman homes and wood-beamed eateries on either side, with towering ramparts providing breathtaking views of the city below.

Enter via the Finger Gate (also known as the Clock Gate because of its clock tower) and stroll through the alleyways to view the ancient homes, many of which are now handicraft stores and eateries. The section has a village-like atmosphere to it since some families still reside here. The inner and outer walls, towers, and ramparts of the citadel, which offer 360-degree views over Ankara, are among its other notable features. A mosque from the 12th century is another.

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

• Address: Kale, Gözcü Sk. No:2, 06240 Ulus/Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey
• Opening hours: 08:30 – 16:45
• Entrance fee: 60 TL

The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara is one of the most well-known museums in Turkey (formally known as the Republic of Türkiye) and a must-see for travelers visiting the nation’s capital. The museum, which spans the civilizations of central Anatolia, Turkey, from the Paleolithic to the Lydian period of the sixth century BC, is housed in a structure that was once a market from the fifteenth century.  You will explore galleries on the Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Ages after perusing the Paleolithic and Neolithic exhibits. Thereafter, you will examine items from the Assyrian, Hittite, Phrygian, Late Hittite, Urartian, and Lydian eras. The downstairs Classical Hall houses a collection of antique Greek and Roman artifacts.

Haci Bayram Mosque

• Address: Hacı Bayram, Sarıbağ Sk. No:13, 06050 Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey
• Opening hours: All day
• Entrance fee: Free

Originally constructed in 1427, the Hacı Bayram-ı Veli Mosque is situated adjacent to the Augustus temple in Ankara, close to the Ulus District. The mosque’s current structure combines elements from the late 17th and 18th centuries, with additions made later to the north and west. There are flower and plant patterns all around the mosque, with a single hexagonal rosette punctuating the ceiling constructed of beautiful wood. The eighteenth century saw the addition of the ornamental Kütahya tiles.

The shrine of the Sufi saint draws worshippers who come to the Haci Bayram Mausoleum in search of inspiration and prayer. The tomb, which borders the outside wall of the mihrab, was finished a year after the mosque. It has a marble front and a strong lead dome over an octagonal drum.

Kocatepe Mosque

• Address: Kültür, Dr. Mediha Eldem Sk. No:67, 06420 Çankaya/Ankara, Turkey
• Opening hours: All day
• Entrance fee: Free

Among the biggest mosques in the world is the Kocatepe Mosque. Not only is it the most visible mosque in the heart of Ankara, but it is also the biggest. The mosque’s four 288-foot-tall minarets and exquisite gold-plated dome provide a captivating sight. Like many other sights in Ankara, the mosque is situated close to Kizilay Square, the city’s well-known square, and must be reached by climbing a hill.

Primarily known for its portrayal of the boundaries of contemporary Islamic architecture, the mosque is lavishly constructed for a spiritual experience and has space for 24,000 worshippers. The central dome’s artwork, the marble used, and the exquisite windows with colored glass are all inspired by Ottoman neoclassicism. A golden chandelier with an opulent appearance and an ornate ceiling adorn the interiors. It took almost 20 years to build the Kocatepe Mosque from start to finish. It was completed in 1987.

Izmir

Izmir’s stunning beaches, historic sites, and lively market make it a destination worth seeing. Sail over the glistening turquoise seas, explore the many archaeological monuments, and spend some time savoring regional Turkish cuisine. Amid contemporary skyscrapers and shopping centers, the magnificent mosques and old Kemeraltı Market provide something for those interested in local culture.

Ephesus

• Address: Acarlar, Selçuk, İzmir, Turkey
• Opening hours: All day
• Entrance fee: Free

One of the most important ancient sites in the Mediterranean is Ephesus (Efes). It was the second-biggest metropolis in the world at its prime, in the first century BC; only Rome held greater authority. This site features several restored buildings and ruins, one of which being the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. There are incredibly many remnants of this ancient city in various degrees of preservation. It is recommended to visit the site with a guide who can explain the importance and purpose of the numerous constructions.

Pergamon

• Address: Bergama, Turkey
• Opening hours: All day
• Entrance fee: Free

From its founding in the fifth century BC, Pergamon was a bustling hub of learning, innovation, and culture that lasted until the fourteenth century. Among the most important architectural vestiges of the city are the Acropolis, the Red Basilica, aqueducts, a noteworthy medical facility, an obscenely steep amphitheater, and a historically significant library. You may see several wonders by climbing the hill, including as the Temple of Athena and Trajan. Wander over to the Asklepion Medical Center, the birthplace of pharmacology, where radioactive waters were introduced to swimming pools for therapeutic purposes.

House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi)

• Address: Atatürk Mahallesi, Meryemana Mevkii, Küme Evler, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Turkey
• Opening hours: 08:30 – 17:00
• Entrance fee: Free

Catholic belief holds that St. John took Mary to Ephesus with him following Jesus’ execution in order to flee persecution during the years 37–45 CE. Many believe that this is the place where the mother of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, spent her final days. Since its discovery in the 19th century, St. Mary’s House in Ephesus has drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors and pilgrims seeking the healing properties of the spring that runs beneath the stone home.

Temple of Artemis (Artemision)

• Address: Atatürk, Park İçi Yolu No:12, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Turkey
• Opening hours: 08:00 – 19:00
• Entrance fee: Free

The Temple of Artemis was known for its magnificent artwork and was commissioned by Croesus, the Lydian monarch who popularized the expression “rich as Croesus.” However, it was destroyed by invading Goths in the third century AD and was never rebuilt. The marble Temple of Artemis (also known as Artemision or Artemisium) at Ephesus, one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, formerly covered more than 63,000 square feet, or around 5,850 square meters. A leaning pillar and some foundation remnants are all that are left of the 127 original columns, innumerable paintings, and numerous statues that formerly stood here.

Ephesus Terrace Houses

• Address: Acarlar, Efes Harabileri, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Turkey
• Opening hours: 08:30 – 18:00
• Entrance fee: 320 TL

The Ephesus Terrace Houses are a collection of historic two-story buildings arranged on three levels that provide insight into affluent Roman living during the heyday of the city. Glancing at the geometric mosaics and vibrant frescoes still adorning the walls is made possible by glass flooring. After more than a millennium of usage, the dwellings’ bewildering arrangement is made easier to understand with the use of clear signs. The magnificent marble hall with its delicate columns, the vivid murals depicting the Muses, Apollo, and the lesbian poet Sappho, the exquisite glass and ceramic mosaics, the tasteful baths, and the central heating systems are some of the highlights.

Basilica of St. John

• Address: Atatürk St. Jean Cadessi, Selçuk, Izmir, Turkey
• Opening hours: 08:30 – 16:30
• Entrance fee: Free

Despite being in ruins for more than 600 years, the impressive arches and tall pillars of the cross-shaped cathedral continue to leave an impression. This is St. John’s Basilica. According to Christian legend, St. John the Apostle served the Ephesians in Ephesus after St. Paul arrived. Constructed by the Justinian emperor in the sixth century, the imposing Basilica of St. John is home to a tomb from the fourth century that attracted visitors seeking healings from all across Europe. It is one of the biggest cathedrals in the world to this day.

Bodrum

Bodrum is the ideal place for those seeking a serene getaway that provides luxurious resorts, breathtaking coastal views, and a rustic charm. Known as the “St. Tropez of Turkey,” this stunning city is located on the South Aegean coast of the nation and offers stunning scenery, pristine seas, and fascinating historical attractions like Bodrum Castle.

Bodrum Castle

• Address: Çarşı, Kale Cd., 48400 Bodrum/Muğla, Turkey
• Opening hours: 09:00 – 16:30
• Entrance fee: 20 TL

Situated atop the headland between the city’s twin bays, the Castle of St. Peter is the most notable sight in Bodrum. This 15th-century citadel, which has towers, battlements, gardens, and is the location of Bodrum’s Museum of Underwater Archaeology, is a must-see for tourists. The public may visit a large portion of the Castle of St. Peter, including its courtyard, the outside of three towers, and its ramparts, which provide breathtaking views over the adjacent bays of Bodrum. A single entrance ticket allows visitors to tour the specified castle area and enter the Museum of Underwater Archaeology’s indoor display spaces.

Zeki Muren Arts Museum

• Address: Kumbahçe, Zeki Müren Cd. No:11, 48400 Bodrum/Muğla, Turkey
• Opening hours: 08:30 – 17:00 (except Monday)
• Entrance fee: 75 TL

Zeki Müren, one of Turkey’s most well-known artists, resided at the museum’s two-story Bodrum home from 1980 until his passing in 1996. You will be able to see the artist’s recollections at the Zeki Müren Art Museum. This home was transformed into a museum in 2000 and now displays pictures, theatrical costumes, personal items, and records detailing his life and works.

Bodrum Ancient Theatre

• Address: Yeniköy, D330 No:175 D:169, 48440 Bodrum/Muğla, Turkey
• Opening hours: 09:00 – 17:00 (except Monday)
• Entrance fee: Free

Bodrum Amphitheater (Antik Tiyatro), located on a slope in the north of Bodrum, is a remnant of the ancient Greek city of Halicarnassus. Constructed around the 4th century BC and subsequently expanded by the Romans, the renovated 13,000-seat theater provides an amazing window into antiquity in addition to breathtaking views over the city and serves as a venue for events and performances. History aficionados and visitors seeking more information about Bodrum should consider taking a guided tour, which offers knowledgeable commentary on the theater’s history, construction, and role in the Halicarnassus narrative.

Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology

• Address: Çarşı Mh., 48400 Bodrum/Muğla, Turkey
• Opening hours: 08:30 – 17:30
• Entrance fee: 450 TL

Even if you’re not interested in underwater archeology, you should definitely check out this really amazing museum located inside the Castle of St. Peter. The displays are arranged in several halls on the top level of the castle, and it has recently undergone renovations and reorganization. The Serçe Limanı Glass Wreck chamber, which has a 16-meter Byzantine ship that sank in 1026 CE, is the museum’s main attraction. A portion of its cargo, which includes glass items and amphorae, is tastefully arranged in the adjacent show cases. A vast collection of amphorae, discoveries from many Bronze Age shipwrecks, and ornately decorated ceramic artifacts unearthed at a Mycenaean-era necropolis close to Ortakent on the peninsula are showcased in other halls.

Bodrum Mausoleum Museum

• Address: Tepecik, Turgut Reis Cd. No:93, 48440 Bodrum/Muğla, Turkey
• Opening hours: 08:30 – 17:30 (except Monday)
• Entrance fee: 70 TL

About fifty meters high, the tomb stood in the heart of the old city, encircled by a large raised temenos. It was divided into four main sections: a tall pedestal, a colonnaded gallery, a tiered pyramidal roof, and a statue of the satrap on a quadriga with his sister Artemisia, Mausollos’s bride. The building’s marble embellishment, which featured relief and sculptures portraying official ceremonies, sacrificial and hunting scenes, as well as incidents from Maussollos’ life and other mythological scenes that were to be viewed in a particular order, was a product of the most prominent architects and sculptors of the time.