Side Ancient City
A sprawling ancient city where the Temple of Apollo's columns rise right beside modern resort streets, with a well-preserved Roman theatre and agora scattered among pomegranate trees.
Side was a major Pamphylian port, its ruins now woven into a lively resort town. The Temple of Apollo, with five standing columns, is a sunset icon on the tip of the peninsula. Behind it, the 2nd-century theatre—seating 15,000—commands a view of the sea and still hosts performances. Beyond these, remnants of an agora, bathhouse, and necropolis lurk between hotels and souvenir shops. It's a place where you can order a beer on a terrace and touch a 2,000-year-old column at the same time.
“To stand inside a Roman theatre that still stages concerts, then watch the sun set through the columns of the Temple of Apollo—all without leaving the beach town.”
Skip the main entrance and walk up the side alley from the harbour to enter the theatre from the top-tier vomitorium—no ticket needed for the view from the upper seats until the morning guard arrives.
The theatre and temple have uneven ancient stone paths and steps; the agora area is partially wheelchair-accessible from the main road but most ruins are not.
Good to know
- Is Side Ancient City free to visit?
- TL 340. Temple of Apollo and the theatre sit among resort streets.
- How long should you spend at Side Ancient City?
- ~2h
- When is the best time to visit Side Ancient City?
- Sunset
- Is Side Ancient City wheelchair accessible?
- The theatre and temple have uneven ancient stone paths and steps; the agora area is partially wheelchair-accessible from the main road but most ruins are not.
