Side Ancient City & Temple of Apollo
An ancient harbour city reaching into the sea
Image credit: Ingo Mehling, CC BY-SA 3.0
About
Built upon a peninsula, Side is a spellbinding open-air museum where ancient ruins intertwine with a modern seaside town. As you walk its narrow streets, two-thousand-year-old columns greet you on one side and sea-facing cafés on the other. The city's emblem is the Temple of Apollo, rising at the tip of the western headland; its white marble columns, turned orange at sunset, form one of the most photographed scenes on the Mediterranean. The ancient theatre, agora and monumental fountain bear witness to the city's magnificent past. Offering history by day and seaside pleasure by evening, Side is an ideal stop for those who wish to combine a beach holiday with cultural discovery.
History
Founded in the 7th century BC, Side was one of the most important harbour cities of ancient Pamphylia. It flourished in the Hellenistic and Roman periods; the Temple of Apollo dates to the 2nd century AD.
Visiting Tips
- ✓Go to the Temple of Apollo for sunset
- ✓The ancient ruins are open and free to wander
- ✓Summer evenings are crowded — go early
- ✓About a 1-hour drive from central Antalya
- ✓Add the ancient theatre and museum to your plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Side Ancient City & Temple of Apollo?
Side Ancient City & Temple of Apollo is located at Side, Manavgat, Antalya in Antalya.
When is the best time to visit Side Ancient City & Temple of Apollo?
Recommended time: May – October, around sunset.
