Aspendos: The Fascinating Ancient City with the Most Impressive Roman Theater
Aspendos Ancient City is a city famous for its ancient theater. Aspendos, one of the richest cities of the Pamphylia region, where many races lived in ancient times, was founded by the Achaeans. The theater was built by the Romans. The ancient city, built on two hills, one large and one small, is located in Antalya Serik.
In this content, you can find all the information you wonder about the ancient city of Aspendos.
Information About Aspendos Ancient City
The ancient city of Aspendos is located in the Serik district of Antalya. This ancient city, famous for its ancient theater, is one of the richest cities of Pamphylia. It was founded 8 kilometers east of Serik district, where Köprüçayı reaches the plain from the mountainous region.
Founded by the Achaeans in the 10th century BC, the theater in the Aspendos Ancient City was built by the Romans in the 2nd century AD. The theater in the Aspendos Ancient City, which is built on two hills, one large and one small, is the oldest and most intact example of the Roman theaters in Anatolia that has survived to the present day with its stage.
Where is Aspendos Ancient City? How to get there?
Aspendos is located in Belkıs Village in Serik district of Antalya province. It can be reached by turning north from the 44th kilometer of the Antalya - Alanya road.
This place is 50 kilometers from Antalya center and 94 kilometers from Alanya. It is also possible to go to Serik district by buses departing from Antalya Bus Station.
Adress: Sarıabalı, 07500 Serik/Antalya
Aspendos Ancient City Entrance Fees and Visiting Hours
There is a fee for entrance to the ancient city of Aspendos. At the same time, this place can be visited at certain hours and on certain days.
Visiting Hours
Opening Time: 08.00
Closing Time: 20.00
Box Office Closing Time: 19.30
Closed Days: Open every day
Entrance Fee
Entrance Fee: 100 TL
Entrance with MuseumCard: Yes
NOTE: Since entrance fees and visiting hours may change periodically, it is recommended to get information by phone or on the website in advance.
Number: 02428921325
Website: https://muze.gov.tr/muze-detay?SectionId=ASP01&DistId=ASP
Aspendos Ancient Theater
Aspendos Ancient Theater is the oldest and most solid theater that has survived to the present day among the Anatolian Roman Theaters. The structure, which is very important in this respect, has a capacity of 14 thousand people. It is still actively used for concerts, theater plays and various events.
It is a very important building that even great leaders traveled long distances to watch the plays. The architect of the theater was Zeon, the son of Theodorus, a native of the city. The construction process was completed during the time of the famous Emperor Marcus Aureliu.
When you visit the ancient city of Aspendos, it is also possible to encounter structures such as agora, basilica and acropolis. Not every structure has survived as well as the ancient theater, but you can feel the historical spirit in the best way in these ruins.
The Legend of the Aspendos Ancient City
As with many historical sites, legends have been told about Aspendos. One of these legends is described as follows:
'According to the legend, the king of Aspendos has a beautiful daughter and one day he wants to marry her off, but he does not find any man worthy of his beautiful daughter. He decides that the person who does the most beneficial thing for the people and the city will marry her and announces it to the people. Hearing the news, the twin brothers immediately start working. One of them overcomes the rough roads to bring water into the city and builds a water passage. The other brother builds an ancient theater. The feature of the ancient theater is that the person in the top row can clearly hear the sound of a coin falling to the ground in the middle of the stage. The king was impressed by the water crossing and wanted to give his daughter to the brother who built the water crossing. But the one who built the ancient theater wants to marry her more, so he decides to play a game. In order to prove to the king that the work was successful, the architect whispers from the center of the stage while the king is walking around in the upper row, 'Give your daughter to the architect of this place''. Hearing it very clearly, the king is very impressed. He does not know who to marry his daughter to. Thinking that both architects deserve it, the king cuts his daughter in half with a huge sword and gives half to one brother and half to the other.
Places You Can Visit While Visiting Aspendos Ancient City
Other places you should definitely see while you are around the Aspendos Ancient City are as follows:
Zeytintaşı Cave
Uçansu Waterfall
Sillyon Ancient City
Belek
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