Ankara Citadel:
The foundations of the citadel were laid by the Galatians on a prominent
lava outcrop, and completed by the Romans; the
Byzantines and Seljuks made
restorations and additions. The area around and inside the citadel is the
oldest part of Ankara and many fine examples of traditional architecture
can be seen within the citadel walls. There are also lovely green areas in
which to relax. It's well-known that the Ankara region was the cradle of "vino"
(Hatti and Hittite) in 2,000 B.C.; many restored traditional Turkish
houses in the area of the citadel have found new life as restaurants,serving
local and international dishes and wine.
Roman Theatre: The remains, including proscene (stage), and scene (backstage),
can be seen outside the citadel. Roman statues found here are exhibited in
the Anatolian Civilizations Museum.The audience area is still under
excavation.
Temple of Augustus: The temple can be found in the Ulus quarter of the
city. It was built by the Galatian King Pylamenes in 10 A.D. as a tribute
to Augustus, and was reconstructed by the Romans on the ancient Ankara
Acropolis in the 2nd century. It is important today for the 'Monument
Ancyranum', the sole surviving "Political Testament" of Augustus,
detailing his achievements, that is inscribed on its walls in Latin and
Greek. In the 5th century the temple was converted to a church by the
Byzantines.
Roman Bath: The bath, situated on Cankiri Avenue in Ulus, has the typical
features of Roman baths: a frigidarium (cold section), tepidarium (cool
section) and caldarium(hot section). They were built in the time of the
Emperor Caracalla (3rd century A.D.) in honour of Asclepios, the god of
medicine. Today, only the basement and first floors remain.
Column of Julian: This column, in Ulus, was erected in 362 A.D., probably
to commemorate a visit by the Roman Emperor Julian the Apostate. It stands
fifteen meters high and has a typical leaf decoration on the capital.
Monument of the Republic: Erected in 1927, in Ulus Square, as a symbol of
Ataturk's and the Turkish people's struggle for independence in the War of
Liberation.
Monument to a Secure Confident Future:This monument, in Guven Park, was
erected in 1935 and bears Ataturk's words to his people: "Be proud,
hardworking, and believe in yourself."
Victory Monument: Erected in 1927, on Zafer Square in the Sihhiye quarter,
it shows Ataturk in uniform.
Hatti Monument: Recently erected in Sihhiye square, this impressive
monument shows symbols of the Hatti gods, and commemorates Anatolia's
first-known people.
