Side

An ancient Greek city on the southern Mediterranean coast of Turkey, Side is a resort town. It is just 4 km away along the road separating from Antalya-Alanya highway. The city was initially founded on a plain peninsula, which extended into the Mediterranean. Historians say that the city’s foundation was laid by Greek settlers from Cyme in Aeolis, most likely in around 7th century BC. Arrian, a historian and philosopher in Roman period states an interesting fact that when the settlers from Cyme came in, they could not understand the local dialect but after some time the indigenous tongue had so strong an influence on them that they forgot their native Greek and started conversing in the language of the Side!

The city was also occupied by Alexander the Great in 333 BC. Side has many tourist attractions, some of which are Greek Amphitheatre, Side Museum, Monumental Fountain (Nymphaeum), Aspendos Bridge and Aqueduct. Formed by a semi-circular courtyard and two towers, the gate has two sections opening inside and outside of the city. You would also get to see the much raved about columned streets and quarters in Side. Starting from Main gate, these columned streets have the seamless underground drainage system. The town has a rich history with Greek, Roman, and Byzantine ruins and pillars all over the town. One of the most famous ruins in Side is the amphitheater. Amidst all these ruins, runs a road on which you can drive your car and see all the ruins without leaving your car!