Among the olive groves of Torbalı, in a valley between two villages, stands a city named after the Mother Goddess herself: Metropolis. With a 4,000-seat theatre, a square council hall, and a marble-clad bathhouse, this site is one of the most complete ancient cities within easy reach of Izmir — yet most travelers have never heard of it.
A Cave Shrine to the Mother Goddess
Metropolis means 'City of the Mother Goddess.' North of the city, in the Uyuzdere area, a cult cave dedicated to Kybele still exists — and it's actually where excavation work began, back in 1989. Archaeologists uncovered dozens of terracotta figurines of the goddess inside, evidence that this valley was a place of worship long before the city around it took shape. Digging has continued ever since, and the site was formally opened to visitors as an official archaeological park in 2014.
What Survives from the Hellenistic and Roman Eras
The city itself was founded in the 3rd century BC under the Seleucid Kingdom, though traces of settlement reach back to the Neolithic period. A 16,000-square-metre acropolis overlooks the Torbalı plain, and nearby stands a square bouleuterion (council building) that once seated 350 people, built around the mid-2nd century BC. A Doric-order stoa from the same period also stands in the city. The theatre was built in the Hellenistic period and later expanded by the Romans, who paved its floor in marble; restored in 2000-2001, it now seats roughly 4,000. A marble-paved Roman bath-palaestra and a peristyle house round out the picture, along with a gymnasium mentioned in Augustan-era inscriptions and a Hellenistic temple to Ares.
Getting There from the Airport
A private chauffeured transfer from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport gets you to Metropolis without transfers or guesswork, winding through olive groves most of the way. Check our Torbalı transfer route page for vehicles and booking details on this route.
Practical Tips Before You Go
Metropolis sits on sloped, uneven ground, so closed, sturdy shoes make a real difference. Bring water and a hat — shade is scarce on the acropolis, especially around midday. Spring and autumn mornings offer softer light and cooler temperatures for walking among the stones. Excavation is still active, so some sections may be roped off at any given time; stay outside marked boundaries. There's no real commercial infrastructure around the site, so keep some cash on hand for the small businesses in the nearby village.
Who Should Visit — and Who Shouldn't
Metropolis rewards history lovers, photographers, and couples looking for a quiet, uncrowded ruin. It's not a 20-minute drive-by stop — the site is spread out, and seeing it properly takes at least an hour. Strollers and wheelchairs will struggle with the terrain, so it's a tough choice if you're traveling with mobility-limited family members. And if you're expecting a café or gift shop at the entrance, you'll be disappointed — come prepared instead.
Building a Route Around It
While you're in Torbalı, it's worth adding the Belevi Mausoleum to the same day — both sites date to the Hellenistic period and sit close to each other. With a bit more time, you can turn the day into a full ancient-cities tour by continuing to Ayasuluk Castle in Selçuk. Share your preferred order with your driver when you book, so you're not losing time figuring out logistics on site.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time should I set aside for Metropolis?
Seeing the site properly takes at least an hour, since Metropolis is spread out over a large area. It's not a good fit for a quick 20-minute stop.
When is the best time to visit Metropolis?
Spring and autumn mornings offer softer light and cooler temperatures for walking among the stones.
What should I keep in mind during the visit?
The ground is sloped and uneven, so closed, sturdy shoes make a real difference. Bring water and a hat, since shade is scarce around midday on the acropolis. Keep some cash on hand, as there's little commercial infrastructure nearby.
Who might find Metropolis difficult to visit?
Strollers and wheelchairs will struggle with the terrain, making it a tough choice for travelers with mobility-limited family members. Don't expect a café or gift shop at the entrance.
How do I get to Metropolis from the airport?
A private chauffeured transfer reaches Metropolis without transfers or guesswork, winding through olive groves most of the way.
What other ancient cities can I combine with Metropolis?
The Belevi Mausoleum in Torbalı makes an easy addition to the same day, and with more time, Ayasuluk Castle in Selçuk can turn it into a full ancient-cities tour.