Ancient ruins of Side

SERVICES & SHOP DESCRIPTION

The beginnings of the historic site go back as far as 2500 - 3500 years. For centuries it was considered an important port city on the Mediterranean Sea, until it was abandoned in the 10th century. An earthquake in the 12th century then destroyed most of the buildings. Ancient Side was mainly shaped by Roman, Anatolian and Greek influences, but many other cultures and peoples can be found in the history of the city.

A resort town on Turkey's southern Mediterranean coast, Side is an ancient port city known for long beaches and Greco-Roman ruins. In the center are the remains of a 2nd-century theater that could seat up to 15,000 people. The white marble columns of the Hellenistic Temple of Apollo stand near the port. There are other archaeological sites in the vicinity and numerous finds are on display in the Side Museum, a restored Roman bath house.