The Ancient City Perge, Temple of Apollo & Aspendos Theatre Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Turkey’s rich historical legacy. Visitors can enjoy the well-preserved Roman ruins of Perge, including an impressive amphitheater and stadium. The tour also takes them to the renowned Aspendos Theater, one of the world’s best-preserved Roman theaters, which hosts renowned international festivals. In the ancient city of Side, the iconic Temple of Apollo stands as a testament to the region’s Greco-Roman heritage, while the Kursunlu Waterfalls provide a refreshing respite amidst the area’s natural beauty. This captivating journey promises to transport visitors back in time and leave them with a deeper appreciation for Turkey’s remarkable cultural heritage.
Key Points
- Explore the well-preserved Roman archaeological site of Perge, showcasing an amphitheater, stadium, gates, and city walls.
- Visit the renowned Aspendos Theater, one of the world’s best-preserved Roman theaters and a venue for the annual Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival.
- Discover the ancient ruins of Side, featuring Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine-era structures, including the iconic Temple of Apollo.
- Immerse in the natural beauty of the Kursunlu Waterfalls, surrounded by a lush forest setting.
- Uncover the grandeur and cultural significance of these historic sites, providing a glimpse into the region’s rich past.
Tour Overview
This 9-hour tour allows visitors to explore the ancient ruins of Perge, Aspendos, and Side, as well as the Kursunlu Waterfalls Natural Park.
The tour includes a visit to the Roman archaeological site of Perge, where you’ll see the amphitheater, stadium, gates, and city walls.
Next, you’ll visit the Theater of Aspendos, one of the world’s best-preserved Roman theaters, which hosts the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival.
In Side, you’ll explore the ancient ruins from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine eras, including the stunning Temple of Apollo in the old harbor.
Exploring Perge
The ancient Roman archaeological site of Perge offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich history, with well-preserved structures that include an amphitheater, stadium, gates, and city walls.
Travelers can explore the grandeur of Perge’s past, marveling at the impressive architecture and imagining the bustling activities that once took place here.
The amphitheater, in particular, is a highlight, showcasing the engineering prowess of the Romans. Visitors can also stroll along the site’s well-preserved city walls, gaining a sense of the scale and significance of this ancient city.
With its fascinating ruins and historical significance, Perge provides a captivating window into the past, allowing visitors to enjoy the legacy of the Roman empire.
Amphitheater and Stadium
Perge’s well-preserved amphitheater and stadium offer visitors a captivating glimpse into the city’s Roman past.
Constructed during the 2nd century AD, these impressive structures showcase the advanced engineering and architectural prowess of the Romans, who designed them to host a variety of public events and entertainment.
The amphitheater, with its striking stone seating and elaborate stage, could accommodate up to 12,000 spectators, who’d have witnessed thrilling gladiatorial contests, theatrical performances, and other spectacles.
The nearby stadium, measuring 240 meters in length, was used for athletics and chariot races, allowing the people of Perge to indulge in their love of sports and competition.
These well-preserved ruins provide a vivid window into the vibrant cultural life of this ancient city.
Visiting Aspendos Theater
After exploring the impressive ruins of Perge, the tour moves on to the renowned Aspendos Theater, one of the world’s best-preserved Roman theaters. Visitors are awed by the sheer scale and grandeur of this 2nd-century marvel, which could seat up to 20,000 people.
The theater is a testament to the architectural genius of the Romans, with its remarkable acoustics and stunning design. Guests can imagine the spectacle of ancient performances that once graced this stage, from grand theatrical productions to captivating opera and ballet shows.
The Aspendos Theater hosts the annual Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival, drawing audiences from around the world to experience the magic of this timeless venue.
Aspendos International Festivals
Along With its well-preserved Roman theater, Aspendos hosts the renowned Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival, drawing audiences from around the world to experience captivating performances within this historic venue.
Held annually, the festival features world-class opera singers, ballet dancers, and classical musicians who grace the stage of the impressive Aspendos Theater.
This centuries-old amphitheater, with its remarkable acoustics and stunning architectural design, provides an unparalleled backdrop for these cultural events.
The festival celebrates the intersection of ancient history and modern artistry, offering visitors a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
Whether attending an opera, ballet, or concert, attendees are transported back in time while enjoying the finest in contemporary performing arts.
Discovering Ancient Side
Beyond the captivating Aspendos Theater, the ancient city of Side offers visitors a window into the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine eras. Situated along the stunning Mediterranean coastline, Side’s well-preserved ruins showcase the grandeur and sophistication of this once-thriving commercial hub.
Visitors can explore the remains of the:
- Iconic Temple of Apollo, which stands majestically by the old harbor
- Expansive ancient marketplace, where merchants once traded their wares
Well-preserved Roman baths, evidence of the city’s lavish public amenities.
Towering city walls and gates, reminders of Side’s strategic importance.
Striking Roman theater, a testament to the city’s cultural significance.
These captivating ruins provide a glimpse into Side’s illustrious past, inviting travelers to enjoy the rich history of this remarkable Mediterranean destination.
Temple of Apollo
The Temple of Apollo stands majestically by the old harbor, its grand columns and impressive architecture commanding attention from visitors to the ancient city of Side.
This Greco-Roman temple, dating back to the 2nd century BC, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Side. Once a prominent place of worship, the temple is now a captivating ruin that offers a glimpse into the city’s rich past.
Tourists can explore the temple’s well-preserved remains, marveling at the intricate carvings and the sheer scale of the structure. The temple’s strategic location near the harbor also suggests its importance as a commercial and religious center during Side’s heyday.
Today, the Temple of Apollo remains a testament to the enduring legacy of ancient civilizations in this region.
Kursunlu Waterfalls Experience
After exploring the ancient ruins and impressive architecture of the region, visitors can cap off the tour with a refreshing experience at the Kursunlu Waterfalls Natural Park. The serene waterfalls, nestled within a lush forest, offer a picturesque setting for a relaxing dip and a chance to rejuvenate amidst the natural beauty of the area.
The Kursunlu Waterfalls experience evokes a range of emotions:
- The soothing sound of cascading water creates a calming ambiance.
- The verdant foliage surrounding the falls invites a sense of tranquility.
Jumping into the cool, refreshing pool below the waterfall delivers a thrilling rush.
Witnessing the natural wonder of the waterfalls inspires a profound appreciation for the natural world.
The opportunity to escape the heat and crowds of the ancient sites provides a welcome respite.
Recap
The Ancient City Perge, Temple of Apollo & Aspendos Theatre Tour offers an immersive journey through Turkey’s captivating past.
Visitors can explore the well-preserved Roman ruins of Perge, marvel at the renowned Aspendos Theater, and discover the iconic Temple of Apollo in Side.
This comprehensive tour provides a unique opportunity to uncover the region’s Greco-Roman heritage and natural wonders, leaving travelers with a deeper appreciation for Turkey’s rich historical legacy.
