Sightseeing in Side - what to see. Complete travel guide

Side is a city with rich history. In the past this place was a sanctuary for all sorts of criminals, misfits, pirates and runaway slaves. This is also the former largest slave market in Asia Minor. Nowadays this city has become a large museum under the open sky, which is carefully guarded by the Turkish government.

Side is still surrounded by ancient city walls, however, the main gates have been damaged. All people, who enter Side for the first time, cannot take their eyes off of the main monumental fountain of the city named Nymphaeum. This fountain was built during the times of Emperor Vespasian. The ancient Agora marketplace, which has the shape of a square, is the location of fragments of the altar devoted to the goddess Fortuna. On the perimeter of the square you will find numerous fine galleries and shops. You can also visit the restored old city baths in Side, which now holds the collection of the local museum with artifacts of the Roman period. You will find here amazing sculptures and sarcophagi.

The main attractions of the ancient city are the magnificent amphitheater built in the II century for gladiatorial combats and later used as a church under the open sky, and two temples dedicated to Greek gods Athena and Apollo, which are also located in the bay area. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

An old aqueduct is one of the unique monuments of Roman civilization. It is part of the oldest water system. Today, similar stone structures can be seen in various parts of the Mediterranean. During the reign of Romans, they were used to deliver water to the city. The length of the aqueduct in Side was about 30 km. Its 13 km were tunneled through the mountains. Only a fragment of a once extensive stone structure has survived to date.

The Aspendos bridge is a monument of a later period. It was built in the 13th century on the site of an ancient Roman building. This bridge has perfectly preserved to our days. It has a length of 225 meters, and a minimum width of 4.5 meters. From the very first glance, one can notice some faults in its design. For hundreds of years, its supports have shifted from their original places, so nowadays the bridge gives rather a bad impression. Against a background of the surrounding natural beauty, the old bridge looks simply unique.

Side is full of amazing natural attractions. Manavgat waterfall is worth particular attention. The waterfall is located in the very center of the town of the same name. It is man-made and surrounded by heavy tree cover of the park. Beautiful viewing platforms are equipped there for visitors. The park has lots of places to go on holiday and sports entertainment.

In the immediate vicinity of Side is an ancient Alarahan fortress, that stands on the top of the mountain. This ancient defensive structure has a special location. It stood at the Silk Road and served as a reliable shelter for numerous caravans. When the trade began to fade, the fortress ended up abandoned. The historical monument has preserved only partially to this day. To climb the fortress, you'll need to overcome a steep staircase cut down in a rock. A wonderful panorama of the surrounding area is opened from above.

Near the city is Turkey's largest canyon water storage called the Green Canyon. Its depth is about 100 meters. The canyon constantly feeds more than 25 natural springs. Travelers are attracted by its impressive view. They can admire the nearby mountain scenery. Part of mountain slopes is covered with dense green vegetation.