Deserted temples. Columns on the ground. Crumbled boulders. Crushed stone upon stone. Cracked walls and pavements. Isolated statues. They are all mute witnesses to the ancient city of Perge, also known as Perga.

Nestled along the breathtaking shores of Antalya, some six hours drive from Turkey's capital Ankara, Perge is a remarkable archaeological site which boasts of a rich history dating back to the Bronze Age and flourished under Hellenistic and Roman rule.

We were absolutely captivated with architectural wonders and its well-preserved onlookers of the past, which hold secrets from the old world.

Notably, this is the birthplace of influential Greek mathematician Apollonius, who developed the now-familiar — yet taken for granted — conic concepts of the circle, ellipse, parabola, and the hyperbola. And perhaps this genius rubbed off on the structures — as each was a sight to behold in their own right.

Perge was likewise mentioned in the Bible particularly in the Acts of the Apostles written by Saint Paul of the road to Damascus fame. The metropolis served as a stepping stone for other areas in central Turkey where the Apostle of the Apostles would preach the word of God.

Here are five spots you should visit on your trip to the ruins of Perge:

Columned Main Street: The Beating Heart

Our journey initially led us to the Columned Main Street, a marvel that was once the beating heart of the community and was the artery of the north-to-south direction. Twenty-two meters wide, it hosted the bustling markets and was the vibrant social hub as well. In addition, it connected to other major sites of importance.

It must be noted that unlike other settlements of yore, the gran via did not follow a perfect straight path — it wrapped around the plots erected during the Hellenistic Period.