Aspendos, an ancient greek city in Asia Minor, is known for his best-preserved theater of antiquity with seating for 15000. Still used today, the theater's galleries, stage decorations and acoustics all testify to the architects success. Nearby stand the remains of a basilica, agora and one of the largest aqueducts in Anatolia.

Getting there

After passing Serik on the Antalya-Alanya highway, you turn north and continue for 4 km.

History

It dates back to the 5th century B.C. The theater which was built in the 2nd century A.D. was periodically repaired by the Seljuks who used it as a caravansaray. It is one of the best preserved theaters to be found today. Allowing 0.50 m. per seat, the theater holds 7000 spectators, with an additional 500 in the orchestra. Today it is used for concerts, festivals and grease wrestling events. In addition to the theater the agora, basilica, nymphaeum and 15 km. of aqueducts are to be seen.

Aspendos was built by the famous Aspendosian architect Zenon, in Marcus Aurelius’time. In order to keep with Hellenistic traditions, a small part of the theater was built so that it leaned against the hill where the Citadel (Acropolis)stood,while almost all of the other parts were buit onvaulted arches. The high stage served to seemingly isolate the audience from the rest of the world.The very top section of this stage has been repaired and the acoustics were ameliorated with later additons.