Self-Guided Walking Tour of Side, Turkey (2025)

Overview: Your first major landmark is the Nymphaeum, one of the largest Roman fountains in Asia Minor. Built in the 2nd century CE, this three-tiered structure once formed part of Side’s fortified city entrance, greeting visitors with a cascade of flowing water. Its elaborate marble façade was adorned with statues of nymphs, sea creatures, and gods, symbolizing abundance and vitality. Even in its ruined state, it remains breathtaking — a masterpiece of Roman architecture and civic pride.

Don’t Miss: Take a closer look at the ancient city walls surrounding the site. These massive stone fortifications once protected Side from raids and invasions. Some sections still display the original Roman masonry, while later Byzantine repairs are easy to spot by their different stonework. Standing before them, it’s easy to imagine guards patrolling the ramparts and travelers entering through the monumental gates.

Explore: A short walk from the Nymphaeum brings you to the Roman Bath Complex, now home to the Side Archaeological Museum. These ancient thermal baths once served as a place for relaxation, socializing, and even business meetings. Inside, the museum displays an impressive collection of sculptures, inscriptions, coins, and sarcophagi discovered during excavations around the city.

Highlights: Don’t miss the beautifully preserved statues of Apollo and Nike, along with the intricate mosaics and marble reliefs. The museum’s hypocaust system — a network of tunnels used to heat the baths — showcases the brilliance of Roman engineering. The building’s cool, vaulted chambers offer a welcome break from the Mediterranean sun and a deeper understanding of Side’s daily life.

Wander: The Commercial Agora was the thriving marketplace of ancient Side, where merchants from across the empire traded spices, olive oil, textiles, and jewelry. The square’s marble columns once framed bustling shops, while in the center stood the Temple of Tyche, goddess of fortune and protector of cities. The circular base of the temple is still visible, symbolizing the prosperity that once defined Side.

Look For: The shopfronts and stone counters that line the Agora’s edges — they give a vivid sense of the city’s commercial life. This square also served as a site for social gatherings and political discussions, making it one of the liveliest parts of Roman Side.

Marvel At: Rising behind the Agora is the Roman Theatre, one of the largest in Asia Minor. Built in the 2nd century CE, it seated up to 15,000 spectators for plays, concerts, and gladiatorial contests. Its architecture is remarkable — instead of being carved into a hillside, it was constructed atop a network of arches and vaults, giving it a distinct silhouette.

Tip: Climb the stone steps for sweeping views over the ruins and the Mediterranean. Standing in the theatre, you can almost hear the echoes of ancient applause. The theatre’s acoustics remain impressive, a testament to Roman craftsmanship and design.

Step Back in Time: From the theatre, continue toward the Vespasian Monumental Gate, the grand Roman arch that once served as the main ceremonial entrance to Side. Dedicated to Emperor Vespasian in the 1st century CE, this 13-meter-high structure was both a triumphal arch and a functional gateway within the city walls. Its stone carvings — including a weathered Medusa head — are among the finest in the region.

Tip: Stand beneath the arch and look skyward — the craftsmanship is stunning. This was once the official entryway for governors and visiting dignitaries. The gate also served as a fountain, with water supplied directly from the aqueduct you saw earlier in your walk.

Relax: Follow the road south and you’ll arrive at the Ancient Harbor, once one of the busiest trading ports on the Mediterranean. Ships from Greece, Egypt, and Italy docked here to exchange goods such as grain, wine, and slaves. In the 1st century BCE, the harbor even became a base for pirates until the Romans restored order.

Today: The harbor is a peaceful promenade lined with cafes and restaurants. Fishing boats sway gently beside the ruins, while the sea breeze carries a hint of salt and history. It’s the perfect place to pause and imagine the grandeur of Side’s maritime past.

Crown Jewel: At the tip of the peninsula stand the Temples of Apollo and Athena, Side’s most iconic landmarks. These marble temples, built in the 2nd century CE, once formed part of a sacred complex overlooking the sea. The five standing columns of Apollo’s temple are among the most photographed ruins in Turkey, glowing gold at sunset as the light reflects off the waves.

Best Time to Visit: Arrive in the evening for breathtaking views as the sun dips below the horizon. Nearby, the Temple of Athena, though more fragmented, symbolizes Side’s ancient dedication to wisdom, art, and knowledge. Few sites in the world combine history and natural beauty so seamlessly.

Discover: Heading inland again, you’ll reach the State Agora, the political and administrative center of ancient Side. This large square was where local officials met to govern, conduct ceremonies, and honor the emperor. Statues of gods and statesmen once lined the porticoes, while a small temple at one end served for civic worship.

Admire: The remains of columns, marble fragments, and inscriptions reveal the Agora’s former grandeur. Its tranquil atmosphere today makes it a peaceful contrast to the bustling harbor nearby — a perfect place to reflect on the city’s balance of politics, religion, and public life.

Step into the Past: Tucked away near the old town lies the Byzantine Hospital, a lesser-known but fascinating site from Side’s later history. Dating back to the 5th or 6th century CE, this complex once served as a place of healing and refuge for travelers and the sick. Its layout includes small chambers, a chapel, and courtyards, offering insight into early Byzantine medicine and care.

Explore: Though partly in ruins, the site’s tranquility and simplicity offer a contrast to the grandeur of Side’s Roman monuments. It’s often missed by tourists but is well worth a stop for those interested in how the city evolved into its Christian era.

Walk Through: Finish your tour along the Colonnaded Street, one of the most striking remnants of Roman urban design. This broad, marble-paved avenue once connected the heart of the city to its outer gates. Flanked by elegant Corinthian columns and lined with shops, it was both a commercial hub and a social promenade.

Don’t Miss: The deep grooves in the marble, carved by centuries of cart traffic, and the drainage channels running alongside — evidence of the Romans’ sophisticated city planning. As you stroll down this ancient road, imagine the vibrant sounds and sights of daily life in Side two thousand years ago.