Ancient Aspendos Full-Day Historical Tour What To Do Antalya

Ancient Aspendos Antalya Amazing Place to explore, the ancient city of Aspendos, is approximately 50 km east of Antalya. Is one of the big-hitter historical attractions for tourists visiting Turkey’s Turquoise Coast region.

The theatre–one of the Roman Empire’s most fabulous remaining pieces of architecture–is the monument.

Try to come during the summer months when this unique building hosts the annual Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival. It’s a beautiful chance to experience the theatre used for its original purpose and hear its stunning acoustics.

The area history of Aspendos Ancient Aspendos Antalya

Aspendos was undoubtedly Pamphylia’s most prominent city in antiquity. During the Roman era, when trade and commerce thrived, this splendid metropolis attained its pinnacle. According to legend, Mopsos, the legendary Greek diviner, built this town in 1000 BC. And archaeologists have discovered traces of a village here dating back to the Hittite period (800 BC). Ancient Aspendos Antalya
Similar to the neighboring cities of Perge and Side, the city’s eventual downfall. It was most likely caused by the silting up of its harbor. The Byzantine Empire’s centralization practices “Aspendos”. Once-impressive theatre had been reduced to a caravan when the Seljuks dominated this part of Turkey.

The theatre

Aspendos’ theatre is one of the largest ever built by the Romans in Asia Minor. And today it is one of the best-preserved examples of Roman theatre architecture. And, is located in the lower town area of the side. The theatre was built in the 2nd century AD during Marcus Aurelius’ reign.
The mammoth seating plan could fit an audience of between 15,000 and 20,000. It has been thoroughly restored and used for music and drama festivals, including Turkey’s famous annual Aspendos Opera Festival. Ancient Aspendos Antalya

The semi-circular auditorium, divided into two sections by a broad passage halfway up. Has 20 tiers of seating, and ten staircases. In the lower half and 19, tiers with 21 staircases in the upper part. Round the top is a barrel-vaulted colonnade.
At either end of the stage are vaulted passages giving access to the orchestra. Slender double columns articulated the two-story stage wall with Ionic capitals on the lower order.

And Corinthian means on the upper one. The double-column flanking the central entrance to the stage had a typical broken pediment. The location itself had a wooden roof suspended by ropes, and the auditorium, too, was probably covered by an awning.

Acropolis Aspendos Antalya Turkey

Although most tourists are here to see the theatre. There are plenty more things to do if you have some time up your sightseeing sleeve.
Immediately above the lower town of Aspendos rises the 40-meter acropolis hill.

Beyond the remains of a small temple and the agora stands the nymphaeum (fountain shrine). Once a monumental structure articulated by double columns. But now represented only by a wall 32-meters long with ten niches for statues. Adjoining this on the north are the foundations of another building, probably its council chamber.

Aqueduct Aspendos Antalya

To the north of Aspendos’ acropolis hill are the remains of a magnificent ancient aqueduct. And two linked water towers, which would have initially provided water for the city.

Tips and Tours: How to Make the Most of Your Aspendos Visit. Explore Ancient City of Aspendos Antalya.

The Aspendos, Perge, and Manavgat Waterfalls Tour. And hits three of the Antalya region’s most prominent attractions all in one day. Perfect if you have little time in the area. It includes visits to both of the ancient cities of Aspendos and Purge. Lunch, and a stop at the waterfalls for photos. A side-trip to the seaside town of Side with its Roman ruins is also including. you may also like Antalya city tour And Manavgat Boat Trip also Antalya’s Top 4 Places in one day

Ancient Ruins of Aspendos Antalya

Near the antique theatre of Aspendos there is a basilica, an agora, and the ruins of Anatolia’s longest aqueduct.

Acropolis, and Basilica The 60 m tall acropolis is accessed from the eastern gate. One of the three gates of the city. The well-preserved structure that you see is the part of the basilica from which the city’s affairs were managed. Only the southern foundations of the basilica survive.

Monumental Fountain: At the right of the basilica structures, there is a monumental fountain of which only the façade remains.

Aqueducts, on the plateau towards the north of the acropolis. You can see the aqueducts that were used to bring water to the city. The well preserved remnants that still stand are the best examples of such structures in the area. And are extremely impressive.

Gymnasium and Baths, the remains of the building seen near the Koprucay River. From the road before reaching the theatre are those of a gymnasium and its baths.

UNESCO Tentative List
The Theatre and Aqueducts of the Ancient City of Aspendos. Which is including on the UNESCO Tentative List in 2015, is one of the outstanding universal values of Turkey. For More Details Click Here.