Discover Antalya’s Most Impressive Ancient Theaters and Their Stories
Turkey holds sacred lands that have been home to many civilisations throughout history. Although their value is not always recognised, Turkey possesses a rich cultural heritage that words cannot adequately describe. In this article, we will explore ancient theatres where gladiators fought, where the first performances were staged, and where every stone holds a mystery. So, where are the historical parts of Antalya? And where are the ancient theatres of Antalya? Let's take a look at Antalya's unique ancient theatres, which are a must-see for enthusiasts of history, art, and theatre. Source: https://kulturenvanteri.com/tr
1. Phaselis Ancient Theatre
The ancient city of Phaselis is located on a small peninsula extending into the Mediterranean Sea, approximately 58 km from Antalya and 12 km from Kemer. The theatre in this ancient city, founded by the Rhodians in the 7th century BC, dates back to the Hellenistic period. The city also features three agoras, one opposite the theatre and two on the right side of the main street leading to the South Harbour, as well as the remains of two bathhouses, one small and one large.
2. Rhodiapolis Ancient Theatre
The ancient city of Rhodiapolis, situated on a hill near the village of Sarıcasu in the Kumluca district of Antalya, takes its name from Rhodos, the daughter of Mopsos. The city, believed to have been founded by the Rhodians, boasts a 1,500-seat theatre, which is one of its most striking structures. At the top of the theatre, there is also a church facing west, of which only the apse has survived to the present day.
3. Selge Ancient Theatre
Located approximately 100 km from Antalya and 80 km from Manavgat, the ancient city of Selge has been a popular destination for travellers throughout history due to its medicinal plants, fertile soil, scenery, and extensive forests. The most well-preserved structure in the ancient city is the Greek-Roman style theatre, which was restored in the 3rd century AD and has a capacity of approximately 9,000 people.
4. Side Ancient Theatre
The Side Ancient Theatre features the Hellenistic tradition of a semicircular shape in terms of its plan and Roman architectural characteristics regarding its construction technique. It stands out with its three-story stage building (Scaenae Frons) and sloping seating rows. Decorated with baroque ornaments from the Antonine period, the structure is architecturally similar to the Pompeius Theatre in Rome.
5. Patara Ancient Theatre
Patara, the capital of the Lycian Federation, is referred to as “Patar” in Hittite texts. It is said that Saint Nicholas, known as Santa Claus, was born here. The theatre, situated on the slope of Kurşunlu Hill, was built by Emperor Hadrian and his wife Sabina in the 2nd century AD. With a capacity of 6,000 people, it is one of the most significant ancient theatres in Anatolia.
6. Xanthos Ancient Theatre
The ancient city of Xanthos, which flourished during the Classical Age, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988. Built on the northern slope of the Lycian acropolis, the theatre stands out as one of the symbolic structures of the ancient city. This area has maintained its significance both before and after its construction.
7. Perge Ancient Theatre
Perge, one of the ancient cities nearest to the centre of Antalya, is renowned for its impressive theatre, which hosted gladiator and wild animal fights. This theatre, which has a capacity of 13,000 people and two rows of seats, features reliefs depicting the life of Dionysus, the god of wine, in its stage building. These reliefs still retain their impressive beauty today.
8. Arykanda Ancient Theatre
Located within the boundaries of Arif Village in Finike, the ancient city of Arykanda derives its name from the Lycian term “Ary-ka-wanda,” meaning “the place next to the high rock.” Its small yet well-preserved theatre is among the must-see structures for visitors to Finike.
9. Simena Ancient Theatre
With a history dating back to the 4th century BC, Simena has a captivating atmosphere and was of strategic importance throughout the Middle Ages. The theatre, positioned within Simena Castle and carved into natural rock with seven rows of seats, has a capacity of only 300 people and is known as the smallest ancient theatre among Lycian cities.
10. Kyaneai Ancient Theatre
Kyaneai, an ancient city of Greek origin, takes its name from the echoing rocks in the region where it is located. Its theatre, which seats approximately 2,500 people, offers an impressive view of other Lycian cities and Kekova. Built in the 2nd century B.C., this structure is one of the earliest theatres in Lycia.
11. Myra Ancient Theatre
Located in the centre of Demre district, the ancient city of Myra draws attention with its walls and acropolis ruins dating back to the 5th century BC. The Roman-era theatre, located on the southern slope, is well preserved with its seating rows and stage building. Half of the second floor of the stage building is still standing. There are rock tombs on both sides of the theatre.
12. Nisa / Meryemlik Ancient Theatre
Nestled in Sütleğen Village, part of Kaş, next to the Sinekçi Beli Pass, the ancient city of Nisa is also referred to as Neisa in some sources (it should not be confused with Nysa in Aydın). The theatre, which is situated against the hillside, dates back to the Roman period and can seat approximately 700-800 people. Its cavea is in fairly good condition. The stoa of the agora is adjacent to the upper row of the theatre and showcases Hellenistic craftsmanship.
13. Olympos Ancient Theatre
Dating back to the 2nd century AD, the Olympos Ancient Theatre reflects Roman architecture. The two-tiered structure has a total of 20 rows of seats and a capacity of approximately 5,000 people. Although most of it was destroyed by earthquakes and the use of its stone blocks in other buildings during the Byzantine period, the theatre's form remains visible.
14. Limyra Ancient Theatre
Located in the Saklısu neighbourhood of Finike, the Limyra Ancient City's theatre, dating back to the Hellenistic period, was renovated in 141 AD at the point where the acropolis reaches the plain. There are many historical structures around the theatre, including walls, hillside houses, cisterns, rock tombs, a church, the Xatabura Monumental Tomb, and Perikle Heronu.
15. Aspendos Ancient Theatre
Aspendos is home to the best-preserved Roman theatre not only in Anatolia but in the entire Mediterranean. Dedicated to the gods and emperors, the structure is impressive, with a capacity of 15,000–20,000 people. Built by the architect Zenon during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, the theatre sheds light on history through Greek and Latin inscriptions that indicate it was commissioned by the Curtius brothers.
16. Antiphellos Ancient Theatre
The best-preserved structure in the ancient city of Antiphellos, the theatre stands out as the only ancient theatre overlooking the sea. Located on the high part of the peninsula, this structure with 26 rows of seats has typical Hellenistic theatre features. While there is no stage building, the burial chamber next to the theatre, featuring twenty-four carved female reliefs, is also worth seeing.
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