Side - The site

Between the State Agora and the eastern town wall in Side the extensive ruins of the Byzantine bishop's palace, principal and baptistery can be found. These early Christian buildings date from the fifth and 10th centuries.

Southwest of the Agora Baths in Side stands a triumphal arch, a monument to the Emperor Vespasian and a number of fountains, notably one known as the Fountain of the Three Basins.

From the theater the colonnaded street continues southwest across the peninsula, passing through the village of Selimiye with a wide choice of restaurants and souvenir shops and ending at a semi-circular temple by the sea dedicated to the moon god Men. West of here at the tip of the peninsula lie the remains of the city's two principal temples, probably dedicated to Athena and Apollo; adjoining to the east are the ruins of a Byzantine basilica.

At the southwest end of the peninsula is the ancient harbor, now largely silted up. Its outline is marked by the steep scarp of the coastal rocks. Following this scarp to the northeast the remains of some Byzantine baths are visible. In the eastern part of the city the State Agora is situated. Its east side is occupied by an imposing building, originally two-storied, which is thought to be the library. In a columned niche, still in situ, is a figure of Nemesis, goddess of fate.