Side - The site

Along the east of the peninsula extend the Byzantine town walls, once reinforced by towers. Outside the North Gate or Great Gate (which was originally several storys high) is a nymphaeum (second century B.C.) fed by an aqueduct coming in from the north. From the Great Gate two colonnaded streets laid in Roman times ran through the town, one leading due south, the other southwest. After 350m/380yds the latter meets up with the square agora, which was surrounded by colonnades housing shops. At the west corner the foundations of a small round Corinthian temple are clearly discernible. Two Roman peristyle houses (second-first century B.C.) with mosaics can be found some 30m/35yds north of the agora.

Along the southwest side of the agora stands the Theater, the largest in Pamphylia. It could accommodate an audience of 15,000 in its 49 rows of seating. Although several of the supporting arches have collapsed, bringing down part of the auditorium, this is still a remarkable example of Roman architectural skill.