Side’s Old Town

The majestic Apollo Temple is an iconic landmark in Side. The six Corinthian columns that rise from the harbor date back to Roman times. The Apollo Temple is one of the most popular photo motifs in the region and will enchant you, especially at sunset.

The glow of the sunset after the sun disappears behind the horizon, with the Apollo Temple in the foreground and the dazzling sea behind, creates a truly magical scene.

More Ancient Ruins

With its 3,500 years of history, Side's old town will amaze you with ancient ruins from Roman and Byzantine times. These include:

Commercial Agora: The cultural and economic center of the city and a popular meeting place during the Roman period. It's located next to the ancient theater and houses a lot of ruins, such as the temple of Tyche, and a well preserved market street.

State Agora: Southeast of the Commercial Agora are the remains of the second-century State Agora, that was reserved for the elite circles in the city.

Monumental Fountain (Nymphaeum): Near the outer city walls, you can find part of the Roman aqueducts dating from the 2nd century AD.

Roman Baths: The Roman Baths opposite the Commercial Agora probably date back to the 5th century. Since 1962, it has served as the Side Museum.

City Walls: Construction of the once six-kilometer-long city wall began in the late first century. It served to protect the city and some of it can still be visited today.

City Gate: Located near the Nymphaeum, the large main gate was first built as a free-standing structure and only later integrated into the city wall.