4 places to visit in the Karacasu district of Aydın: Afrodisias Ancient City, Afrodisias Museum and Mount Baba. Plan your trip to Karacasu with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Karacasu is a district of Aydın province in the Aegean Region. Afrodisias Ancient City lies within the district’s boundaries. It is 87 kilometres from Aydın city centre. The district’s altitude is 538 metres.
The district was originally called Yenişehir and was renamed Karacasu after the Tanzimat period. It was a kaza of Aydın in 1867 and became a district in 1923.
The district’s pides are famous for fillings of minced meat, cheese, egg and tahini. The district has ceramic workshops and craft traditions of leatherworkers and blacksmiths. Eighteen plateaus (yaylas), especially the well-known Kahve Stream, are used for tourism.
Karacasu was originally called “Yenişehir”; it was renamed after the Tanzimat period. Karacasu was attached to Aydın as an “İlçe” in 1867 and became a district of Aydın in 1923. Karacasu was incorporated into Ottoman territory in 1413, during the reign of II. Murat. Excavations at Afrodisias began in 1961 under the leadership of Prof. Kenan Erim. Afrodisias Ancient City was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2017.
Last updated:
Afrodisias, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an ancient city dedicated to Aphrodite, goddess of love. Its 30,000-seat stadium, Temple of Aphrodite, Tetrapylon and Sebasteion reliefs are among the best-preserved structures of the ancient world.
View on mapThe museum within Afrodisias Ancient City displays sculptures, reliefs and architectural fragments found during excavations. Works of the Afrodisias sculpture school are among the most valuable pieces in the collection.
View on mapMount Baba rises south of Karacasu and, at 2,308 metres, is the highest point in Aydın province. Trekking and walks are possible on the mountain.
View on mapA cave in a natural protected area at the Sırtlan Deliği site, in Çamarası neighbourhood of Karacasu.
View on mapWhile you are in Karacasu, you can also see the highlights of Aydın province. These places are in other districts.
Karacasu Pidesi was registered as a protected geographical indication on 17 September 2020 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 536). Product group: bakery and pastry products, dough dishes, desserts. Registered by: Karacasu Chamber of Craftsmen and Tradesmen.
Keşkek is made by simmering and pounding cracked wheat and meat for a long time. In Karacasu it is the traditional dish of wedding and festival tables.
Thinly rolled dough is filled with cheese, spinach or potato and cooked on a griddle. It is an essential flavour of Karacasu's village breakfasts.
Wild herbs gathered in the mountainous parts of Karacasu are cooked in olive oil and served. Sirken, mallow and chicory are the most commonly used herbs.
Afrodisias was one of the most important centres of sculpture in the ancient world. The Afrodisias sculpture school trained sculptors who worked across the Roman Empire.
Afrodisias Ancient City was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2017. This status has significantly increased Karacasu's potential for cultural tourism.
Karacasu's economy is based on agriculture, livestock farming and tourism. Olives, figs and chestnuts are grown. Cultural tourism is developing since Afrodisias Ancient City was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Small livestock farming is also an important source of livelihood.
Karacasu is 80 km by road from Aydın city centre and 100 km from Denizli. The nearest airport is Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (200 km). There are regular minibus services from Aydın and Nazilli.
The 4 highlights of Karacasu are Afrodisias Ancient City, Afrodisias Museum, Mount Baba and Sırtlanini Cave.
Karacasu Pidesi, Keşkek, Gözleme and Zeytinyağlı Ot Yemekleri are the standout flavours on Karacasu's tables.
Karacasu is known for Dedebağ Keşkeği and the Afrodisias Sculpture School. Karacasu Keşkeği is a product registered with TÜRKPATENT.
Karacasu is 80 km by road from Aydın city centre and 100 km from Denizli. The nearest airport is Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (200 km). There are regular minibus services from Aydın and Nazilli.
Suggested visit length: 1-2 days. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.