Arsemia Archaeological Site: The Deep Silence of Commagene
General Information
Hidden on the slopes overlooking the Euphrates in Adıyaman’s Kahta district, the Arsemia Archaeological Site is like an open-air temple whispering the silent yet magnificent stories of antiquity. Once the summer capital of the Kingdom of Commagene, the site resembles a stone stage surrounded by mountains... With every step, you will feel time slowing down, and in every inscription carved into stone, you will sense history breathing. Walking in the shadow of the giant statues, you’ll realize that this place is not just an archaeological site but also a valley of rituals.
Historical Information
Arsemia was founded as a monumental city in honor of Mithridates Callinicus, the father of King Antiochus I of Commagene. Believed to have been built in the 2nd century BC, this sacred site served both as a center for religious ceremonies and royal tombs. One of its most striking features is the presence of the longest surviving Greek inscription from the ancient world. With its underground tunnels, rock tombs, and monumental reliefs, Arsemia vividly reflects the power and belief system of the Kingdom of Commagene.
Viofun’s Recommendation
Arsemia captivates not only with its history but also with the valleys and silence surrounding it. Our advice: choose to walk up here. Along the way, you’ll feel the breath of Commagene. Be sure to bring a notebook or sketchbook – some places are best captured not just in photos, but also in drawings. Amid the whispers of antiquity, take a few minutes of silence to turn this journey into a personal discovery.
⚠ Important Information:
The museum ticket purchased via Viofun is valid only on the date you select and cannot be used on a different date. The QR code for your ticket will be delivered to you within 12 hours at the latest, depending on the system confirmation process. Please take this timeframe into account when purchasing your ticket.
This ticket is valid only for foreign visitors. It is not available for citizens of the Republic of Türkiye; Turkish citizens are required to obtain a Müzekart.
Arsemia Archaeological Site: The Deep Silence of Commagene
General Information
Hidden on the slopes overlooking the Euphrates in Adıyaman’s Kahta district, the Arsemia Archaeological Site is like an open-air temple whispering the silent yet magnificent stories of antiquity. Once the summer capital of the Kingdom of Commagene, the site resembles a stone stage surrounded by mountains... With every step, you will feel time slowing down, and in every inscription carved into stone, you will sense history breathing. Walking in the shadow of the giant statues, you’ll realize that this place is not just an archaeological site but also a valley of rituals.
Historical Information
Arsemia was founded as a monumental city in honor of Mithridates Callinicus, the father of King Antiochus I of Commagene. Believed to have been built in the 2nd century BC, this sacred site served both as a center for religious ceremonies and royal tombs. One of its most striking features is the presence of the longest surviving Greek inscription from the ancient world. With its underground tunnels, rock tombs, and monumental reliefs, Arsemia vividly reflects the power and belief system of the Kingdom of Commagene.
Viofun’s Recommendation
Arsemia captivates not only with its history but also with the valleys and silence surrounding it. Our advice: choose to walk up here. Along the way, you’ll feel the breath of Commagene. Be sure to bring a notebook or sketchbook – some places are best captured not just in photos, but also in drawings. Amid the whispers of antiquity, take a few minutes of silence to turn this journey into a personal discovery.
⚠ Important Information:
The museum ticket purchased via Viofun is valid only on the date you select and cannot be used on a different date. The QR code for your ticket will be delivered to you within 12 hours at the latest, depending on the system confirmation process. Please take this timeframe into account when purchasing your ticket.
This ticket is valid only for foreign visitors. It is not available for citizens of the Republic of Türkiye; Turkish citizens are required to obtain a Müzekart.
Location Note
By Bus: From Kahta town center, you can take public bus number 302 and get off at the Arsemia junction. From there, it is about a 1.5 km walk to reach the archaeological site.
By Minibus: Minibuses running from Kahta towards Nemrut also stop at the Arsemia junction.
By Taxi: From Kahta, you can reach the entrance of Arsemia directly with an enjoyable 15-minute ride.
