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Altinkaya, Manavgat,
Side
View of Apollo Temple, Side Harbor |
An
important city of ancient Pisdia, Altinkaya (Selge), northwest
of the Koprulu Canyon National Park, is reached by a winding
mountain road. The city walls, towers, cisterns, temple to
Zeus, agora, stadium, theater, gymnaslum and necropolis remain
from this commercial city that stood at an elevation of 950
meters. Historians verify that Selge had direct trade with
Antalya, which brought it prosperity.
Although the Manavgat Waterfalls are not high, milky white,
foaming water rushes powerfully over the rocks. Next to the
waterfalls shady tea gardens and restaurants make the falls a
pleasant, cool resting spot, especially welcome after a day of
sightseeing. You can take a delightful boat trip up the
Manavgat river to explore this lovely area further.
Side, one of the best-known classical sites in Turkey, was an
ancient harbor whose name meant pomegranate. Today a pretty
resort town, its ancient ruins, two sandy beaches, many shops
and extensive tourist accommodation attract throngs of
visitors. There are numerous cafes and restaurants with a view
of the sea, and the shops that line the narrow streets seli
typical Turkish handicrafts including leather goods and
Turkey's famous beautiful gold jewelery. Tne magnificent
theater of the ancient city, built on colonnaded arches, is
the largest in tne wncle area. (Closed for restoration) Other
monuments include the agora, the Apollo Temple. whicn is
situated near the sea. a fountain and necropolis. The
extensive Roman baths. now a museum. houses one of Turkey's
finest archaelogical collections.
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East
of Side, tucked in pine forests the holiday resorts of Sorgun,
Titreyen Gol (Blue Flag) and Kizilagac are both popular for
their sandy beaches and sparkling sea. The atmosphere is
relaxed, the accommadation plentiful and the activities
endless.
West of Side, the holiday centers of Kumkoy, Colakli and
Kamelya also offer sun and sea, in close proximity to ancient
sites. In the Pamphlyian Seleucia (Bucaksihlar), 15km
northeast of Side, are the remains (in good condition) of
Roman baths, temples, churches, a mausoleum, theatre and
agora.
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Ancient Side |
Side Archaelogy Museum
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