4.5 / 5

Aspendos

πŸ—“ Best Time To Visit:April to October, especially early mornings and late afternoons to avoid the heat.

⏰ Open Hours:8:00 AM to 7:00 PM during summer (April to October), 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM during winter (November to March)

🎟 Entry Fees:40 Turkish Lira for adults, free for children under 8 years.

🧳 Traveller Types:History enthusiasts, Photographers, Families, Solo Travellers

πŸ“ Distances:40 km east of Antalya city, 46 km from Antalya Airport, 76 km from Side

πŸ“Œ Known For:Best-preserved Roman theatre, Aqueducts, Basilica, Agora

πŸ“Έ Things To Do:Explore Roman Theatre, Visit Aqueducts, Photography, Attend Opera and Ballet Festival in summer

πŸ’‘ Tips:Carry a hat, sunscreen and water during summer visits. Wear comfortable shoes for exploration.

β™Ώ Accessibility:Partial wheelchair access, due to uneven and rocky paths.

🍽 Nearby Eateries:Several local eateries offering traditional Turkish cuisine within a 10 km radius.

🏨 Accommodation:Numerous hotels and guesthouses available in nearby Antalya city.

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Aspendos: The Ancient City with the World's Best-Preserved Roman Theater

Are you looking for a unique and unforgettable travel destination in Turkey? Do you want to explore the rich and fascinating history of the ancient world? Do you want to witness the stunning beauty and engineering of the Roman architecture? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should definitely visit Aspendos, the ancient city with the world's best-preserved Roman theater.

Aspendos is an ancient city in the Antalya region of Turkey, famous for its theater and aqueduct. The theater is a masterpiece of the Roman art and culture, with a capacity of 15,000 spectators, a remarkable acoustic system, and a rich architectural and decorative design. The aqueduct is a marvel of the Roman engineering and technology, consisting of two main aqueducts, several bridges, tunnels, and distribution basins, dating from the Hellenistic to the Byzantine periods. The site also has an acropolis, where the ruins of the basilica, agora, marketplace, and bouleuterion can be seen.

Aspendos is a candidate for the UNESCO World Heritage List, and hosts various cultural events throughout the year, such as concerts, operas, ballets, and festivals. The site is a must-see for travelers who love history, culture, and nature.

In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Aspendos, including its history, attractions, tips for visiting, and more. Read on to discover why Aspendos is one of the most amazing places to visit in Turkey.

Photo of Aspendos 1/4 by
(C) Antalya.com

The History of Aspendos

Aspendos has a long and rich history, dating back to the 13th century BC, when it was founded by the Hittites, an ancient civilization that ruled over Anatolia. The site was later colonized by the Greeks, who named it after Aspendos, the son of Mopsus, a legendary seer who fought in the Trojan War.

Aspendos became a prosperous city in the 5th century BC, under the rule of the Persian Empire, and minted its own coins. The city was famous for its trade and commerce, especially in salt, oil, and wool. The city was also known for its culture and arts, especially in music and theater.

Aspendos was conquered by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC, and became part of the Seleucid Kingdom, a Hellenistic state that emerged after the death of Alexander. The city continued to flourish under the influence of the Greek culture and language.

Aspendos reached its peak of glory in the 2nd century AD, under the rule of the Roman Empire, and built its theater and aqueduct. The theater was a gift to the city from the wealthy merchant Marcus Aurelius Zenon, who commissioned the architect Zeno to design and construct it. The theater was one of the largest and most magnificent in the Roman world, and was used for various entertainment and political purposes. The aqueduct was a project of the Roman governor Sextus Julius Frontinus, who oversaw the water supply and distribution for the city. The aqueduct was one of the most complex and advanced in the Roman world, and was used for domestic and agricultural purposes.

Aspendos was invaded by the Arabs, the Seljuks, and the Mongols in the medieval period, and gradually declined. The city was abandoned and forgotten, until it was rediscovered by European travelers in the 18th century, who were amazed by the theater and the aqueduct. The site became a popular tourist destination, and attracted many archaeologists and historians, who studied and restored the site.

Photo of Aspendos 2/4 by
(C) Google

The Theater of Aspendos

The theater of Aspendos is the main attraction of the site, and the reason why many people visit it. The theater is the world's best-preserved Roman theater, and one of the most impressive monuments of the ancient world.

The theater was built in the 2nd century AD, by the architect Zeno, who used local limestone and marble for the construction. The theater has a capacity of 15,000 spectators, and is divided into three sections: the orchestra, the stage, and the audience.

The orchestra is the circular area in front of the stage, where the performers and musicians performed. The orchestra has a diameter of 20 meters, and is surrounded by a low wall. The orchestra also has a small altar, where sacrifices were made to the gods.

The stage is the rectangular area behind the orchestra, where the actors and singers performed. The stage has a width of 60 meters, and a depth of 10 meters. The stage has a rich architectural and decorative design, with columns, statues, reliefs, and inscriptions. The stage also has a large curtain, which was lowered and raised by a complex mechanism.

The audience is the semi-circular area around the orchestra, where the spectators sat and watched the performances. The audience has a diameter of 96 meters, and is divided into two levels: the lower level, which has 20 rows of seats, and the upper level, which has 21 rows of seats. The audience also has a number of entrances and exits, called vomitoria, which allowed the spectators to enter and exit the theater quickly and easily.

The theater has a remarkable acoustic system, that allows the sound to reach every corner of the theater, without any amplification. The theater also has a roof, which was made of wood and covered with tiles, which protected the spectators from the sun and the rain.

The theater is still in use today, and hosts various cultural events, such as concerts, operas, ballets, and festivals. The theater is especially famous for the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival, which is held every year in June and July, and attracts many artists and audiences from around the world.

The theater is open to visitors every day, from 9 am to 5 pm, and the admission fee is 60 Turkish Liras. The theater is best seen in the morning or evening, when the sun is not too bright, and the crowds are not too large. The theater is also best seen with a guide, who can explain the history and significance of the theater, and point out the interesting details and features.

Photo of Aspendos 3/4 by
(C) Google

The Aqueduct of Aspendos

The aqueduct of Aspendos is the other attraction of the site, and one of the most impressive monuments of the ancient world. The aqueduct is a marvel of the Roman engineering and technology, and one of the most complex and advanced water systems in the Roman world.

The aqueduct was built in the 2nd century AD, by the Roman governor Sextus Julius Frontinus, who oversaw the water supply and distribution for the city. The aqueduct consists of two main aqueducts, one of which is 15 km long, and the other is 25 km long. The aqueduct also has several bridges, tunnels, and distribution basins, that regulate the water flow and pressure.

The aqueduct was designed to supply water to the city from the nearby mountains, where the water sources were located. The water was collected from the springs and rivers, and transported through the aqueducts, which were built along the natural contours of the land. The water was then distributed to the city, where it was used for domestic and agricultural purposes, such as drinking, bathing, cooking, washing, irrigation, and fountains.

The aqueduct is partially restored and can be seen along the road from Antalya to Aspendos. The aqueduct is best seen from a distance, to appreciate its size and shape, and from a close-up, to admire its details and craftsmanship. The aqueduct is also best seen with a guide, who can explain the history and significance of the aqueduct, and point out the interesting details and features.

The Acropolis of Aspendos

The acropolis of Aspendos is the other attraction of the site, and one of the most interesting monuments of the ancient world. The acropolis is the hilltop area of the city, where the most important public and religious buildings were located.

The acropolis has the ruins of the basilica, a large hall used for meetings and ceremonies, with a colonnaded facade and a mosaic floor. The acropolis also has the ruins of the agora, the marketplace and social center of the city, with shops, stalls, and statues. The acropolis also has the ruins of the bouleuterion, the council chamber of the city, where the elected representatives met and debated.

The acropolis is open to visitors every day, from 9 am to 5 pm, and the admission fee is included in the theater ticket. The acropolis is best seen with a guide, who can explain the history and significance of the buildings, and point out the interesting details and features.

Photo of Aspendos 4/4 by
(C) Google

How to Get to Aspendos

Aspendos is located 40 km east of Antalya, the capital of the region, and can be reached by car, bus, or taxi.

The site can be reached by car in about 45 minutes, from Antalya. The site is well signposted, and has a parking lot near the entrance of the theater.

The site can also be reached by bus, from the Antalya bus station, with buses leaving every hour, and taking about an hour and a half to reach the site. The bus ticket costs about 10 Turkish Liras, and the bus stop is near the entrance of the theater.

The site can also be reached by taxi, from the Antalya airport, with taxis charging about 200 Turkish Liras for the trip, and taking about an hour to reach the site. The taxi stand is near the entrance of the theater.

Tips for Visiting Aspendos

Aspendos is a wonderful place to visit, but there are some things you should know before you go, to make your trip more enjoyable and memorable. Here are some tips for visiting Aspendos:

- The site is open all year round, but the best time to visit is in spring or autumn, when the weather is mild and pleasant, and the flowers are in bloom. The site can be very hot and crowded in summer, and very cold and rainy in winter, so it is advisable to avoid these seasons.

- The site can be visited in a half-day or a full-day, depending on your interest and time. But it is recommended to spend at least two hours to see the main attractions, such as the theater, the aqueduct, and the acropolis. You can also spend more time to explore the other ruins, such as the stadium, the gymnasium, and the nymphaeum, or to enjoy the natural scenery, such as the river, the hills, and the fields.

- The site has a souvenir shop, a cafe, and a restroom, near the entrance of the theater, where you can buy gifts, snacks, and drinks, and use the facilities. But it is advisable to bring your own water, food, and sunscreen, as the site can be very hot and dry, and the prices can be high.

- The site also has a museum, near the entrance of the acropolis, where you can see some of the artifacts and exhibits related to the site, such as coins, pottery, and sculptures. The museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm, and the admission fee is 10 Turkish Liras. The museum is worth a visit, if you want to learn more about the history and culture of Aspendos.

- The site is a popular tourist destination, and can get crowded and noisy, especially during the peak season and the events. So it is advised to book your tickets and tours in advance, and avoid the weekends and the holidays. You can also check the event schedule, and plan your visit accordingly, if you want to see a performance or a festival at the theater.

- The site is a historical and cultural treasure, and deserves respect and care. So it is advised to follow the rules and regulations, such as not touching, climbing, or damaging the monuments, not littering, or making noise, and not taking flash photos or videos. You should also be respectful of the local people and culture, and dress modestly and appropriately.

Conclusion

Aspendos is an ancient city in Turkey, famous for its theater and aqueduct. The theater is the world's best-preserved Roman theater, with a capacity of 15,000 spectators, a remarkable acoustic system, and a rich architectural and decorative design. The aqueduct is a complex system of water supply for the city, consisting of two main aqueducts, several bridges, tunnels, and distribution basins, dating from the Hellenistic to the Byzantine periods. The site also has an acropolis, where the ruins of the basilica, agora, marketplace, and bouleuterion can be seen.

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