Nisa (ruins)
Country: Turkmenistan
Region: Asia
Period: ~ 3rd c.BCE-3rd c.CE
Location: 37.966667°N, 58.195°E
Description
Nisa, located near Ashgabat in southern Turkmenistan, is an ancient archaeological site featuring the remains of one of the earliest capitals of the Parthian Empire. Nestled at the foot of the Kopet Dag Mountains, it once thrived as a royal residence and a vital cultural and political hub. The site offers visitors a unique blend of history, desert landscapes, and glimpses of ancient Persian-inspired architecture. Ideal for history enthusiasts, Nisa delivers a powerful sense of the grandeur of the ancient world.
Modern Remains
Visitors today can explore the ruins of two ancient settlements—Old Nisa (Mithradatkirt) and New Nisa. Highlights include monumental foundations of palaces, circular towers, and a fortress wall built of sun-dried bricks. Archaeologists have unearthed beautiful Hellenistic-style sculptures, ivory rhytons, and inscriptions, many now housed in Turkmenistan’s national museums. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nisa offers guided tours and interpretive signage, providing travelers a rare opportunity to walk through one of Central Asia’s most significant archaeological sites.