ASPENDOS, A MUST-SEE THEATRE IN ANTALYA?!

Aspendos’ theatre is a richly decorated historical monument dating back to Roman times. It was built between 160-180 A.D. Upon arrival, you are struck by the immense façade of approximately 22 meters high and 100 meters wide. Sources state a capacity varying between 7.300 up to 20.000 people.

On the UNESCO website, they mention a maximum of 8.500 people if the stairs are used as seating as well. In any case, the semi-circular theatre is divided into a lower and an upper section of respectively 20 and 21 rows, topped by a barrel-vaulted collonade gallery. The two-storied stage building still stands to its full height.

In recent years, the theatre underwent significant restorations, particularly the seating area. Plenty has been said and written about it as people were especially criticizing the white marble used to renew the seats. Having visited Aspendos both before and after the restorations, we feel that the new marble will start to blend in with the old pieces within time, and it doesn’t diminish in any way the grandeur nor the experience of visiting this architectural masterpiece.

 A Seating Plan For Up To 20k People

THE ANCIENT SITE AND AQUEDUCTS

If you are visiting Aspendos with a tour bus, chances are you won’t be wandering around behind the theatre to discover the ancient site. Even though the remains and ruins are modest compared to some other Turkish historical sites, they are still worth visiting. After all, you’re there already!

Walk up the marble street on the right-hand side of the theatre entrance. It leads to the East Gate of Aspendos, past the Stadium ruins. The marble street passes under an archway, and at some points, Aspendos’ ingenious drainage system is still visible. Apart from the fascinating aqueducts, the biggest still-standing structures in Aspendos are a part of the Basilica, the Nymphaeum, the remains of the market hall, and the Bouleuterion.

Remains Of The Aqueducts

Do not leave Aspendos without seeing the aqueducts that brought water to the city from the mountains. The city had a sophisticated water system with both arcades and underground pipe drains carrying the water.  The aqueducts have two original siphons of approximately 30 meters high, connected by arches of 15 meters high in the valley’s lowest point.

Most people visit Aspendos on a day trip from Antalya, Lara, or nearby resorts, such as Side. Apart from the theatre, the site is on moderately rough terrain. Make sure to wear appropriate shoes. There is no shade or tree to protect you from the sun. Carrying sunscreen and plenty of water is always a good idea!
During the summer months, Aspendos is the venue of several concerts and performances, among them the Aspendos Festival. This means you will find staging equipment and other equipment inside the theatre, affecting your experience.

The nearest airport is Antalya, with regular connections to Istanbul airports and plenty of European cities. If you are exploring the broader area, make sure to include a trip to Antalya old town, we’re confident Kaleiçi – the Turkish name for the old part – will charm the hell out of you. And don’t forget Side

POSTS NEARBY

• Side, Turkey: modern tourist resort meets antiquity at the Mediterranean (27.17 km)
• Lyrbe & its jaw-dropping Agora in the Taurus Mountains (27.87 km)
• Perge, the go-to place for collonaded streets in Antalya (28.54 km)
• Ormana: revival8 of a beautiful village in Antalya (39.36 km)
• Wandering the streets of Antalya Old Town (41.94 km)

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