Side Ancient City
Side Ancient City is one of the most popular attractions in the region and a must-see for anyone visiting Side. Combining impressive ancient ruins with beautiful sea views, it offers a unique mix of history and atmosphere.
Over the centuries, Side has been home to many civilizations, and today you can still see the traces of these cultures throughout the city.
Side Ancient City History:
Side is a town connected to the Manavgat district of Antalya province. The ancient city of Side is a port city built on a peninsula of approximately 400 square kilometers. The name of the city, which dates back to the 8th century BC, means “pomegranate” in the language of the Luvians, one of the most ancient peoples of Anatolia.
Side had its own language until the 2nd century and even minted its own coins. Over time, the city came under the rule of Lydians, Persians, Hellenistic kingdoms, Romans, Seljuks, and Ottomans.
From the 12th century onwards, the population gradually left the city due to invasions and instability.Many of the inhabitants moved to Antalya. In the late 19th century, immigrants from Crete settled here. They established the area what is now known as the Selimiye neighborhood.
Side Ancient City Remains:
Today, visitors can explore impressive remains from the Roman and Byzantine periods. These include the city walls and gates, basilica, trade agora, and agora bath (now used as the Side Museum). Additionally, episcopal palace, triumphal arch, Vespasian fountain, Nymphaeum monumental fountain, ancient theatre, and the temples of Apollo and Athena are the other ancient remains in this historical town.
Except for the ancient theatre and the museum, most of the ruins can be visited free of charge.
Side Ancient Theater:
The ancient theater welcomes visitors with its impressive structure in the center of Side Ancient City. It was built in the 2nd century AD and is one of the largest theaters in Anatolia, with a capacity of around 17,000 people.
Similar in structure to the Roman Colosseum in Rome, it was used both for theatrical performances and gladiator fights during the Roman period. In the Byzantine period, it was later used as an open-air church.
Restoration work is still ongoing today.
Nymphaeum Monumental Fountain:
Built in the 2nd century, this monumental fountain is one of the largest and most impressive structures of its kind in Anatolia. It consists of three levels decorated with columns and ornaments, with a large pool in front.
The surrounding square, with its stone seating areas, makes it a pleasant place to rest while exploring the ancient city.
Side Museum:
The Side Museum, in use since 1962, was originally built as an agora bath dating back to the 5th century AD. The building consists of several sections displaying archaeological finds from the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
Among the exhibits are inscriptions written in the ancient Side language, dating back to the 2nd century.
Athena and Apollon Temple:
The remains of the temples dedicated to Athena and Apollon are located near Side Harbor, on the southern part of the peninsula. These structures date back to the 2nd century AD.
Some columns have been restored and placed back in their original positions. This area is especially popular at sunset, offering one of the most beautiful views in Side.
Additionally, the Blau Laguna Boat Trip is a great option if you would like to see the coastline of Side and its historical surroundings from the sea.
How to Visit Side Ancient City Easily
Side Ancient City is located close to the town centre and can easily be visited on your own. However, during the summer months, walking under the sun and organising transport can sometimes be tiring.
For this reason, many travellers prefer to combine their visit with organised Side excursions. These tours usually include hotel pick-up, comfortable transport, and planned stops at different attractions.
This way, you can explore the historical highlights of Side while also enjoying other experiences in the region, without worrying about planning or logistics.
In conclusion, with its 2800-year history, Side Ancient City offers a unique combination of culture, history, and scenic beauty for all its visitors.
