Side Travel Guide

The ancient city of Side is located on a headland between Antalya and Alanya. Following the construction of the port, Side developed into a significant and affluent trade centre during the 2nd century BC, but lost its significance with the fall of the Roman Empire. The city was to experience further prosperity in the 1960s, when droves of tourists began to ascend upon the area. The holiday resort of Selimiye developed to offer all types of accommodation, where previously only a few fishermen and farmers had lived. 2 long sandy beaches, restaurants and shops are available to guests and will help provide the basis for a successful holiday. Cultural offerings are also plentiful. The largest freestanding theatre in Asia Minor is the most notable archaeological find in the city, and is of particular interest, as most theatres of the time were built on a slope.

The pebble beach east of Side spans a few miles along the coast and boasts a backdrop of ancient ruins, which lie amongst the sand dunes. Previously deserted, the beach has now been discovered by tourists meaning that beach showers and parasol and deckchair hire are all available here. A few bars are also located that cater for the culinaric needs of the visitors.

The Ruins of Side
In former times, Side was a city with a worldwide reputation. Today, what remains of the settlement is surrounded by the modern city and the holiday resort, Selimiye. Much has been preserved from the Hellenic, Roman and Byzantine eras. The two remaining gates in the mile long city wall, the main gate and the arched gate, give visitors a glimpse as to how the city once looked. A nympheum stands in front of the city. Inside the walls, visitors will stumble upon the remnants of the aqueduct, which once transported water for 19 miles. The ruins of the ancient market place, government building, a columned street, and two temples are also to be marvelled at. The museum is accommodated in a restored building, which formerly housed a thermal bath. The highlight of Side is, however, the theatre - the largest in Asia Minor being built not on a slope as most were at the time, but constructed as a freestanding building. Temples dedicated to the gods Athena and Apollo were constructed at the southeast tip of the peninsula. Both temples were very similar in design, the smaller of the two being devoted to Apollo, and the larger to Athena, as the protector of the harbour and trade. The remains are dated to the second half of the 2nd century AD. After ancient Side experienced economic decline in the 3rd and 4th centuries, the temples fell into ruin and centuries later a Byzantine basilica was built over part of the walls. 5 columns from the Apollo temple have been rebuilt. The white marble columns with Corinthian capitals give an impression of the temple's former splendour and make the site a popular location for sunset excursions.