Explore Elmalı Museum

Nestled in the scenic highlands of Antalya, Elmalı Museum offers visitors a unique window into the region’s rich history, spanning from the Chalcolithic Period to the Seljuk era and beyond. Housed in the former Elmalı Government House, this three-storey museum showcases a wide array of artifacts that illuminate the cultural and archaeological heritage of the area.

Discover Ancient Artifacts
The museum’s ground floor displays finds unearthed from mounds around Elmalı, including those from Semahöyük in Bağbaşı. Among the most fascinating exhibits are cube tombs preserved with skeletons and burial gifts, providing rare insights into the burial customs and beliefs of early civilizations.

On the first floor, visitors can explore the story of the Elmalı Treasure along with imitations of the historic coins. This floor also features artifacts from excavations in Arycanda, one of Antalya’s ancient cities, as well as reconstructions of the Karaburun and Kızılbel burial chambers, renowned for their murals and historical significance.

Outdoor Exhibits and Traditional Heritage
The museum garden offers a glimpse into the architectural and cultural heritage of the region. Visitors can see sarcophagi, architectural pieces, and even a bee mast, illustrating traditional methods of beekeeping that were historically practiced in the countryside.

Elmalı Treasure: The “Treasure of the Century”
One of the museum’s most notable attractions is the Elmalı Coins, known as the “Treasure of the Century.” Discovered in 1984, these coins date back to the 5th century BC, representing city-states that united against the Persians. The treasure includes memorial coins celebrating the Greeks’ victory over Persia, significantly expanding the known collection of such coins.

While the original coins are displayed in Antalya Museum, their replicas can be admired at Elmalı Museum, allowing visitors to connect with this remarkable historical find firsthand.