The famous theater of the ancient city of Aspendos is one of the best surviving theaters. Another work of the Pamphylia region, which means the land of all tribes, Aspendos, with a 17 thousand-seat theater, was built in the 2nd century AD. Used as a caravanserai by the Seljuks, today the theater hosts events such as concerts, festivals and festivals.
Aspendos theater history
Aspendos was used as an important and functional commercial center thanks to the Köprüçayı River, which is still actively flowing today. The Aspendos Bridge on the Köprüçay River, located on the Historical Silk Road, is of great importance.
Aspendos, which was ruled by Alexander the Great, the Kingdom of Pergamon and the Roman Empire, the Commercial Basilica, Monumental Fountain, Waterways, Stadium and the world-famous theater, which has been well preserved until today, are among the monumental structures of the period, built on the nearby Acropolis and in the lower city.
Built in the name of the gods and emperors of the time, Aspendos is also known as Belkıs Ruins, taking the name of the village where it is located. The oldest structure is the small temple with the Doric order next to the acropolis. The temple, of which we can only see the foundations today, is thought to have been built 400 years ago.
Built in the 2nd century, the waterways, with their two pressure towers, are one of the most important examples of engineering, and they originate from the Taurus Mountains.
Before the waterways, which can meet the water needs of the city to a great extent, cisterns carved into the bedrock at a depth of 5 meters and in the shape of a pear were used.
The most important structure of the city is the theater, known as the best preserved Roman theater in the world. The plan of the theater, built during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, was created by Architect Zenon, son of Theodoros, and built by two brothers named Crispinus – Auspicatus Curtius.
The historical theater of Aspendos Ancient City, one of the most important cultural assets of Antalya, was the subject of many news with the restoration. The goal of the restoration, which uses white marble instead of gray on the stairs, is that the stones will be like the original stones over time…
The most impressive part of the theater is the two-story interior of the stage building. It consists of 40 columns with rich ornamentation and niches with statues behind them.
During the reign of the Great Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat, the stage building of the theater was decorated with Seljuk tiles. The Aspendos Theater, which did not need to be repaired except for strengthening works and famous for its acoustics, was opened to visitors in 1930 by the order of Atatürk.
What are the entrance fee and visiting hours of Aspendos Ancient City?
The entrance to the ancient city is paid, but visitors with Müzekart can enter for free. The opening time of Aspendos Ancient City is 08:00. The closing time in summer is 19:00, and the closing time in winter season is 17:00. Parking is unnecessarily expensive, so park somewhere else in the vicinity without entering the parking lot. You can enter Aspendos free of charge with museum card.
Where is Aspendos Ancient City and how to get there?
After the Serik district on the Antalya Alanya road, take the Aspendos turnoff. After about 4 km, you will see Aspendos in front of you.
Aspendos Bridge
There is a historical bridge you should visit on your way to or from the ancient city of Aspendos. The historical bridge crossing over the Köprüçay River is also known as Köprüpazar Bridge, Belkıs Bridge and Seljuk Bridge.
The other name of the Roman bridge is Eurymedon Bridge. The structure, which was built by Alaeddin Keykubad I during the Seljuk period based on the foundations of a destroyed Roman bridge over the waters coming from Köprülü Canyon, is 259 meters long. Water from the Köprülü Canyon flows under the bridge with great enthusiasm. You can see people cooling off in these waters in the summer heat.
