Excursion Aspendos & side antique sites tour at Alanya

Explore the antique cities of Side and Asplendos, during this half-day excursion to the ruins surrounding Alanya.

Departing from the pier an approximate 1-hour and 15-minute drive will bring you to the ancient ruins of Aspendos.

Aspendos

Founded on a hilltop near the Eurymedon River, with the splendid backdrop of the Taurus Mountains, Aspendos was a major port city in the Roman period. The remains seen here date back to that era, although the history of the settlement goes back to the Hittite Empire. During the reign of Marcus Aurelius (161-180 CE) the fantastic theater was built, without a doubt the finest in all of Anatolia. Its façade is stunning and its acoustics are unparalleled. In fact, performances are held here today without the use of microphones. Apart from the theater, Aspendos also features ruins of a stadium, agora and basilica. Nearby the Aspendos theatre is a marvelous aqueduct that used to supply the city, which is veiwable from the road.

Side

From Aspendos a 30-minute drive brings you to Side. The town was founded by Aeolians in the 7^th century BCE. 'Side' meant 'pomegranate' in the local language. Until the Roman Imperial period, pomegranate was the symbol used on the coins of Side. It is rumored that Anthony and Cleopatra chose the town for a romantic tryst. The ruins are impressive with many examples of Hellenistic and Roman architecture. The old and the new are insolubly merged and intertwined in Side.

See the theatre, which had a seating capacity of 15,000. It was used in the late Roman Period for gladiator fights as well as theatrical productions. Remains of a monumental gate and a fountain are also located at the entranceway of the ancient theater. Amongst other more prominent ruins are the Agora, the Temple of Athena, the Temple of Apollo and also a Byzantine basilica.

Side Museum and Bath Complex

A huge Roman Hamam was turned into a museum, and hosts the most beautiful archeological pieces of art from region. The interior portion of the Side museum contains many well-preserved statues, including a statue of Hercules in its center, and a nearly complete statue of Apollo. There are also Roman amphorae recovered from Side's waters, statue heads of people and gods, reliefs, and ornate sarcophagi recovered from Side's necropolis. There is also a fragment displaying an inscription in the Sidetan language, a language which has never been deciphered, as well as a display of an ancient Roman grave.

Following this visit, re-join your coach for the return drive to the pier and your awaiting ship.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Side, Aspendos, Theatres, Stadium, Agoras, Basilicas, Temples of Athena and Apollo, Side Museum, Statues, Bath Complex, Eurymedon River, Taurus Mountains

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate walking over uneven ground (approximately 0.5 km/ 0.3 miles) and several steps (approximately 20) at the ruins. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Comfortable walking shoes, seasonal clothing and sun protection are recommended.