Side Ancient City is a historic port settlement near Manavgat, known for its theater, temples, museum, and Roman-Byzantine heritage.
Side is located on a peninsula about
7 km southwest of Manavgat. With its ancient streets, theater, temples, fountains, waterways, and museum, the city is one of the most important historical places in the Antalya region.
The name Side is associated with the meaning “pomegranate” in the Luwian language, giving the city a symbolic connection with Anatolian history.🏛️ About Side Ancient City
Side became an important settlement in the 7th century BC and later came under the influence of Pamphylia and the Kingdom of Lydia. During Alexander the Great’s Anatolian campaign in 334 BC, the city accepted his rule without resistance. In later periods, Side changed hands between Hellenistic kingdoms and continued to exist under the Kingdom of Pergamon, the Roman Empire, and the Byzantine Empire.
Side was one of the important port and trade cities of antiquity, and its ancient theater remains one of the most impressive structures in the city today.🎭 Side Ancient Theater
The most remarkable structure in Side is the
Side Ancient Theater. Located near the narrow part of the peninsula, the theater reflects Roman architectural techniques while preserving traces of the Hellenistic tradition. Its three-story stage building, decorative details, and large seating area make it one of the strongest symbols of the ancient city.
🏺 Side Museum and Historical Remains
Side Museum exhibits artifacts from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Visitors can see sculptures, inscriptions, architectural pieces, and other remains that reflect the cultural richness of the city. In addition to the museum, the ancient city includes temples, fountains, waterways, streets, and other public structures that show Side’s role as a developed port city.
✅ Visiting Side Ancient City
Side Ancient City is a suitable place for visitors who want to combine history, coastal atmosphere, and cultural discovery in one route. Its theater, museum, temples, and old streets create a strong historical atmosphere and make Side one of the most valuable ancient sites to visit during an Antalya holiday.
