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.
|
Must-see attractions nearby:
|
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.
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.
Related Attractions
Read More
Byzantine churches
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.
Other buildings
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.
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.
