The Ancient Cities of the Pamphylian Plain
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The plain east of Antalya was called Pamphylia in antiquity and held three great cities. This route crosses them from west to east: first Perge, whose plan can still be read whole, then Aspendos with the best preserved theatre in the Roman world, then Side, where the streets of the town run through the ancient city. Ending at the Manavgat falls brings both cool air and a sight of the water that made the plain. Four stops, a hundred and sixty kilometres, a full day.
Route Stops
The Magnificent Capital of Pamphylia: The Ancient City of Perge
The nearest to the centre, eighteen kilometres out. The round towers of the Hellenistic gate, the colonnaded street with its central water channel, and the baths. The scale of the city becomes clear as you walk that street.
Located in the Aksu district of Antalya, Perge Ancient City has been of great importance throughout history as one of the most significant settlements in the Pamphylia region. With a history dating back to the 1200s BC, this ancient city bears traces of Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods, particularly drawing attention with its magnificent architecture.
Among the main structures to visit in Perge are the monumental city gate, columned streets, ancient theater, stadium, bath complexes, and massive fountains. Perge, which was a major cultural and trade center during the Roman period, is also known for the cult of Artemis.
Today, with its flawless stone craftsmanship and magnificent ruins, Perge Ancient City takes its visitors back in time and is a must-see place in Antalya for history and archaeology enthusiasts! 🏛✨🚶♂️
Time-Defying Theater: Aspendos
Forty kilometres east. The stage building stands to roof height and the acoustics still work; a whisper carries to the top row. Climb the hill behind for the aqueducts, where there are no crowds.
Located in the Serik district of Antalya, Aspendos Ancient City hosts one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in the world. Founded by the Achaeans in the 10th century BC, this city became a major center of trade and culture during the Roman period.
Aspendos Theater, with a capacity of 15,000 and its excellent acoustics, is one of the greatest works of Roman engineering. It is still used today for concerts and events. The ancient city also features structures such as aquaeducts, an agora, baths, and a stadium.
If you are interested in history and architecture, you must experience the enchanting atmosphere of Aspendos! 🏛🎭✨
The Historical Treasure of the Mediterranean: The Ancient City of Side
Forty kilometres further east. The five columns of the temple of Apollo at the tip of the peninsula face the sea. The theatre is the largest in Pamphylia, built on vaults rather than into a slope.
Located in the Manavgat district of Antalya, Side Ancient City offers visitors an unforgettable experience with its captivating historical structures and magnificent sea views. This ancient city, founded in the 7th century BC, has been governed by Lycian, Persian, Hellenistic, and Roman civilizations over time and has become an important port city bearing traces from each period.
Side means "Pomegranate" in Ancient Greek and symbolizes fertility. Due to its strategic location, it was an important trade center and was also known as one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean during the Roman period. Today, it has become one of the most popular stops for both history and sea tourism with its historical texture and natural beauties.
Main Structures to Visit in Side Ancient City
🏛 Temples of Apollo and Athena: Located by the sea, this temple, one of the most iconic structures of Side with its magnificent columns, offers a unique view at sunset.
🎭 Ancient Theatre: With a capacity of 15,000, it is one of the largest open-air theatres of the Roman period and is still used for concerts and events.
🏺 Agora and Monumental Fountain (Nymphaeum): The Agora, the trade center of Side, was a meeting point for merchants in the past. The adjacent monumental fountain is one of the finest examples of ancient Roman engineering.
🕌 Side Museum: This museum, which displays artifacts from the ruins of the ancient city, offers visitors a comprehensive historical journey with sculptures, reliefs, and coins from the Roman period.
🚪 City Gates and Walls: The grand entrance gates and walls symbolizing the splendor of Side bear traces from the Roman and Byzantine periods.
The Power of Nature: Manavgat Waterfall
Fifteen kilometres from Side. Not tall but wide; the river drops over a single step across its full breadth. The right place to sit under the plane trees and close the day.
Located in the Manavgat district of Antalya, Manavgat Waterfall is a captivating stop for nature lovers with its cool waters coming from the Taurus Mountains. This waterfall, formed by the strong flow of the Manavgat River, offers a different view with its wide and low-height cascading waters.
Surrounding the waterfall, there are picnic areas, walking trails, viewing terraces, and restaurants. With its cool water and natural beauty, it is especially a popular spot for those looking to cool off and relax during the summer months. Additionally, activities such as boat tours and outdoor sports are also available in the area.
If you want to explore the natural beauties of Antalya, don't miss the peaceful atmosphere of Manavgat Waterfall! 🌊🌿✨
