Düzce and Konuralp: Discover Ancient Heritage

In Düzce, a historical focus leads to Konuralp: the ancient city of Prusias ad Hypium lies in this district. Its architectural history, theater and the collections of the Düzce-Konuralp Museum offer different ways to explore the site’s past. When planning your trip, it is also helpful to consider the theater, city gate and museum as separate points of interest.

Prusias ad Hypium and its architectural history

The ancient theater of Konuralp was built in the Hellenistic period, between 300 and 30 BC. Additions were made during the Roman period, which here spans from 30 BC to AD 300. The structure therefore reflects two successive historical phases: its Hellenistic construction and the Roman additions.

The architectural remains of Prusias ad Hypium include monumental structures such as aqueducts, a theater, a bathhouse and a bridge. Many of these buildings were constructed during the respective historical periods. The Atlı Gate, with its extended walls, forms the entrance to the ancient city. Its lintel bears a horse relief and an inscription. The inscription mentions a tomb monument dedicated by a resident of Prusias to his mother.

The tomb in Konuralp is also part of the city’s history: it is associated with Konur Alp, who captured the city from the Byzantines in 1323. The theater, gate and tomb each offer a different perspective—from ancient architecture and an inscription to the later history of the site.

Finds at the Düzce-Konuralp Museum

The Düzce-Konuralp Museum opened to visitors in 2003 and has three exhibition halls. The archaeology hall displays finds in chronological order, from the Bronze Age (3000–2000 BC) to the Eastern Roman period (AD 395–1453). Exhibits include terracotta and marble statuettes, metal objects, jewelry, glass vessels and grave goods. The collection thus spans the period from early finds to the Eastern Roman era.

The stonework hall displays the Orpheus Mosaic, which measures about 45 m² and dates to the Roman period. It was used as the floor of a Roman building. A cast of the Tyche statue is also on display at the museum.

The museum garden complements the collection with architectural fragments and other stone artifacts from excavations at Prusias ad Hypium. These include columns, votive inscriptions, small stone sarcophagi, inscriptions bearing city laws, storage vessels, grave steles and fountain fragments. Islamic gravestones are also on display there. The museum thus brings together movable finds from different periods, as well as architectural elements and inscriptions that connect them to the ancient city.

Plan your visit and dates

The Konuralp Museum is 10 km from the center of Düzce and can be reached by public transportation within the city. Check current routes before setting out so you can fit the journey to the museum into your other plans.

Dünya Düzce Günleri has become an annual tradition and is celebrated every year on August 1. If you would like to plan your trip around this date, check the dates of future editions again.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Çakırlar Mahallesi, Boğaziçi, Soğuksu, Gölyaka, Kalkın Köyü, Beyköy, Akçakoca, Sultaniye.

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