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Visiting the Magnesia Stadium
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 16 hours ago
The untouristed 30,000 seater stadium from the 1st century AD is the main reason to visit the Magnesia archaeological site.
Contents
Brief history of Magnesia
Getting to the stadium at Magnesia
The stadium at Magnesia
The main archaeological site
Links to my other blogs about Turkey
1. Brief history of Magnesia
Magnesia was re-established in 400 BC and was at its peak under the Pergamon Kingdom after Alexander the Great (336-323 BC). The city held a significant commercial and strategic position on the roads connecting the ancient cities of Ephesus, Priene and Tralleis in Ionia.
It was renowned for its grain production and figs. The 30,000 seat stadium was constructed of marble for the Olympic Artemis Games and is evidence of the city's importance and wealth. The stadium in Magnesia was used for sports, horse races, and musical competitions.
During the Roman Empire period, Magnesia was an independent city and was described as the 7th city of Anatolia on coins from the 3rd century AD. It was the centre of church governance in Anatolia during the Byzantine period until the 12th century AD.
The first excavations at the archaeological site were performed during 1891 and 1893 by a German archaeological team. In 2004 excavations were resumed at Magnesia after an interval of almost 100 years.
2. Getting to the Magnesia Stadium
The Magnesia archaeological site is only a 30 minute drive south east from Ephesus. A quick stop at Magnesia could easily be combined with a day trip to the interesting archaeological sites at Priene, Miletus and Didyma. Magnesia is on the route to these locations when starting out from Ephesus and Selcuk.
We entered "Magnesia Stadium" in Google Maps. When we got near to the archaeological site Google directed us along dirt roads which became narrow. We realised we were on the route and changed the location to "Magnesia ad Maeandrum Ruins". This took us back to the main road (D525) and the office for Magnesia was on the side of the main road.
Google stated that Magnesia opened at 08.30. We had planned to arrive at that time but were delayed and arrived just after 09.00. We were dismayed to find that the gate was locked and no one was at the office. The entrance sign said that Magnesia opened at 09.00 in summer and 08.30 in winter.
We decided to wait a while and fortunately an official drove up 10 minutes later and opened the office. The entrance fee is EUR 3 and is payable in Turkish lira. They sell drinks and there are toilets although they weren't great.
The main section of the archaeological site is by the office. However, the most interesting structure at Magnesia is the massive stadium which is one kilometre away from the office. The stadium is reached by driving a further 100 metres along the D525 main road and turning right onto a narrow side road that goes all the way to the stadium.
The side road is now paved but it's a single lane road. The side road is only used by a few farm vehicles and tourists. However, if you meet a vehicle coming from the other direction some reversing would be required until a passing place is found.
The Magnesia stadium is fenced off and there is a sliding gate that can be opened remotely from the office. There are security cameras around the site that are monitored by the office and a buzzer by the gate. There is room to park a few cars just outside the gate.
We informed the official at the office that we wanted to visit the stadium and when we reached the gate he had partially opened it so we could walk in. It stayed open until we left.
3. The Stadium at Magnesia
In antiquity, Magnesia was known as the "City of Races" and attracted crowds of visitors due to the plethora of sporting events organised there. Built in the 1st century AD, the Magnesia stadium had 30,000 seats and a track length of 189 metres.
The stadium at Magnesia is one of the most imposing and well preserved ancient stadiums and was used until the 3rd century AD. It was a venue for running competitions, horse and chariot races, boxing fights and gladiator games.
The excavation of the Magnesia stadium was completed in 2012 and since then it has become a bit overgrown. It's understandable since it would be expensive to keep the large stadium clear of vegetation and very little visitor income is generated.
I was initially disappointed when we arrived at the open end of the Magnesia stadium due to the vegetation covering parts of the stadium. The stadium became more impressive as we made our way along to the podium as there was less vegetation.
It was great having the Magnesia stadium entirely to ourselves as there aren't many impressive ancient structures where this is possible.
There are reliefs at the podium end of the Magnesia stadium that are protected by steel cages. There was a mud slide at the podium end of the stadium which resulted in a small area being closed off.
It took us just under an hour to visit the Magnesia stadium and that included paying the entrance fee at the office and driving between the office and the stadium.
4. The main Archaeological Site at Magnesia
The Magnesia archeological site is huge but the stadium is the only impressive ancient structure. The main archeological site is by the office and it's worth a quick 15 minute wander around whilst you are there. There are information boards for most of the structures.
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