Side Ancient City: Ruins by the Sea

Side (pronounced "see-deh") is an ancient city on Turkey's southern Mediterranean coast, approximately 75 km west of Alanya. It was a major port of the Pamphylia region, serving as a centre for trade, culture, and the slave trade in the ancient Mediterranean.

🏛️ HISTORY Founded: ~7th century BC by Greek colonists from Aeolia Peak period: 2nd century AD under Roman rule Decline: 7th century AD (Arab raids) Rediscovered: 19th century

Side's wealthiest era was under Rome, when the city grew through trade and piracy. The Romans constructed the theatre, agora, temples, and monumental gate.

🏛️ MAIN STRUCTURES Temple of Apollo — 5 remaining columns at the tip of the peninsula, built ~150 AD Roman Theatre — 15,000–20,000 seat capacity, one of the largest in Anatolia Side Museum — housed in restored Roman baths, contains sarcophagi and statues Agora & Slave Market — the commercial centre of ancient Side Monumental Gate & Colonnaded Street — the main entrance to the city

📋 VISITOR INFORMATION Distance from Alanya: ~75 km (~55 min by car) Ruins: Open daily, mostly open-access Museum hours: 08:30–19:00 (summer), 08:30–17:30 (winter) Duration: 2–3 hours

📚 SOURCES Antalya İl Kültür ve Turizm Müdürlüğü — Side Müzesi T.C. Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı — Side Museum