PLACES OF INTEREST - ANTALYA CITY, SIDE, ASPENDOS, PERGE, SILLYON

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Image: Antalya

Because of the archaeological and natural riches of the area, Antalya is also known as the Turkish Riviera. The sun, sea, nature and history combine to form a very popular resort.

With its palm-lined boulevard, internationally-acclaimed marina, and old castle with traditional architecture, all set amidst a modern city, Antalya is a major tourist center in Turkey. The main area of interest in the city is central old quarter within the Roman walls, known as Kaleici, and there are many good museums.

Antalya Harbour

Image: Antalya

Image: Turkey

There are numerous places to visit and activities to enjoy using Belek as a base.
Car Hire is recommended although you can book excursions in both Kadriye and Belek with local agents. There is also a bus stop with regular buses (some of them free) at the front of the villa Complex.

Places of Interest include:-

• Antalya City
• Side
• Aspendos
• Duden Waterfall/Manavgat Waterfall
• Perge
• Sillyon

The Apollo Temple at Side

Image: Side

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Image: Side

Once the secret rendezvous of Anthony and Cleopatra, Side is approx 45 mins from Belek off the Antalya-Alanya highway. The exact date of its founding is not known. In the language of Anatolia 'Side' means Pomegranate. From the inscriptions it appears that Side dates back to the Hittites. The city was constructed on a peninsula and was a Hellenistic and Roman Town. One of the most important buildings is the 15000 spectator theatre. The 2 storey theatre, built on a series of arches, is 20m high. Well worth a visit.

Duck at Side

Image: Duck at Side

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Aspendos

Image: Aspendos

After passing Serik on the Antalya-Alanya highway, you turn north and continue for 4 km. Aspendos dates back to the 5th century B.C. The theatre, was built in the 2nd century A.D. and is one of the best preserved theatres to be found today. The theatre holds 17000 spectators. Today it is used for concerts & festivals. In addition to the theatre the agora, basilica, nymphaeum and 15 km of aqueducts are to be seen.

Image: Aspendos

Image: Perge

Perge

Image: Perge

This city was built 18km east of Antalya between the Duden and Aksu streams. It is reached along the Antalya-Alanya highway. It was settled in 1200 B.C. In 332 B.C. Perge, like Side, reached an agreement with Alexander and thus did not go to war or suffer the usual ravages. Its 15,000 spectator theatre was built in the 2nd century A.D. and the nearby stadium could hold 12,000. There are 30 rooms, believed to have been used as shops underneath the stadium seats. This is the most famous from a religious point of view as it was here that St. Paul delivered his first sermon.

Image: Perge

Image: Goat at Purge