Aspendos Ancient City

Description

It is the ancient city famous for having the best-preserved ancient theater from the Roman period.

Story

Aspendos Ancient City is one of the best-preserved historical structures in the Mediterranean, renowned worldwide for its massive theater from the Roman period. The city is believed to have been founded in the 5th century BC and reached a high level of development in trade, agriculture, and water engineering, becoming one of the richest cities in the Pamphylia region. Its theater was built in the 2nd century AD by the famous architect Zenon. This work of Zenon represents the pinnacle of Roman engineering in terms of acoustics and aesthetics. Even today, a whisper in the middle of the theater can be heard from the top row. According to legends, when the king of the city could not decide whom to marry his daughter to, two architects competed: one built the aqueducts, and the other built the theater. The king was so impressed with both works that, unable to divide his daughter between them, he awarded both of them a great prize. Aspendos is also a complete center of Roman life with its aqueducts, agora, stadium, and bath complexes. The Seljuk Sultan I. Alaeddin Keykubad, captivated by the beauty of the theater, issued a special decree to protect the structure from damage and even ensured that it was used as a caravanserai for a time. Today, it serves as a vibrant cultural space, hosting festivals and concerts.

Visit Tips

• It is open from 08:00 to 19:00 in summer and from 08:00 to 17:00 in winter.
• It is open for visits every day of the week.
• The quietest time is between 09:00 and 11:00 in the morning.
• Entry is paid, Müzekart is valid.

Photos