The 2700-Year-Old Ancient City of Attouda That Minted Its Own Coins

Located in the Sarayköy district of Denizli, Hisar Village, nestled in the heart of the Çürüksu Valley, is home to a rich heritage stretching from ancient times to the present day. The ancient city of Attouda, hidden within the village, offers visitors a journey through time.

The Deep History of the Ancient City of Attouda

Attouda was an important border city between the regions of Caria and Phrygia in ancient times. As a strategic crossing point connecting important ancient cities such as Tripolis and Laodicea to Aphrodisias, Attouda was founded in the 2nd century BC and became a significant settlement during the Hellenistic period. The city played a key role in the commercial and cultural interaction between other cities in the Lykos Valley and Aphrodisias.

The city, which began minting its own coins during the Hellenistic period, became a wealthy settlement home to citizens with high incomes who could donate to the Kingdom of Pergamon. As stated by Dr. Bilge Yılmaz Kolancı, a faculty member of the Archeology Department at Pamukkale University, although scientific excavations have not yet begun, the ruins seen in the walls of the houses in Hisar Village and at various points within the settlement reveal thousands of years of historical unity. Many historical artifacts belonging to Attouda continue to be used by the villagers for different functions, making the settlement an open-air museum. It is also worth noting that Attouda is mentioned in ancient sources as an important center of the Men cult.

The Time-Defying Texture of Hisar Village

Hisar Village, built on the ancient city of Attouda, is a witness to 2700 years of uninterrupted life. The village, which has a rich cultural heritage spanning from the Hellenistic period to the Ottoman and Republican periods, houses important historical structures such as the Hisar Village Mosque, which dates back to the 19th century. With its traditional stone houses, narrow streets, and natural beauties, Hisar Village offers visitors a peaceful and authentic atmosphere.

Hisar Village, which was built on the ancient city and was home to a population of approximately 1500 people until recently, is now an almost abandoned settlement with only 35-40 residents. Nevertheless, the historical texture and natural beauties of the village continue to fascinate its visitors. Hisar Village and the ancient city of Attouda are protected as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree archaeological sites.

Discovering Attouda and Hisar Village

Artifacts unearthed during excavations in the ancient city of Attouda are exhibited in the garden of the Hisar Village Mosque. While wandering among the ruins of the ancient city, you can take a journey into the depths of history. In Hisar Village, you can experience traditional village life, taste local delicacies, and enjoy natural beauties. There are historical structures such as the historical village coffeehouse and the Mercan Dede Tomb in Hisar Village that can be visited.

How to Get to Attouda and Hisar Village?

Attouda and Hisar Village are located in the Sarayköy district of Denizli. There are regular bus services from Denizli city center to Sarayköy. Transportation from Sarayköy to Hisar Village can be provided by minibus or taxi.

Cover Image: Denizli Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism