Side, the glamorous port city of Antiquity, rises on a 350-400 meter wide peninsula, 7 kilometers southwest of Manavgat district. The name Side, which means "Pomegranate" in the Luwian language, symbolizes a city integrated with history woven with legends. Side emerged as a settlement center in the 7th century BC and came under the sovereignty of Pamphylia and the Kingdom of Lydia in the 6th century BC. During Alexander the Great's Anatolian campaign (334 B.C.), the city opened its doors to the king without resistance, and after Alexander, it constantly changed hands between the kingdoms of the Hellenistic Period. It continued to exist under the rule of the Kingdom of Pergamon, and the Roman and Byzantine Empires.

Side is home to many historical places from ancient theater to fountains, waterways to temples. Side Museum exhibits a rich cultural heritage by hosting many artifacts from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. The ancient city of Side stands out with many features known as a trade and port city, but the most remarkable structure is the Side Ancient Theater with its three-story stage building and enormous decorations.

Located at the point where the peninsula narrows, the theater has the technical details of the Roman architectural tradition, although it continues the Hellenistic tradition. Side Ancient Theater is one of the most beautiful treasures of history. Each detail takes its visitors on a journey through time.