Overview:

Side Theatre is one of the oldest and most impressive monuments in Antalya. It dates back to the 2nd century BC and was used for performances of plays. The theater is perched atop a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and offers views of Antalya and the beaches. Inside, the theater has many levels and is able to accommodate about 15,000 people, making it an impressive place to take in a show or a performance. On the south side of the theater, there is a long stairway with over 90 steps which lead up to the top. Besides performances, the theater is also used to host festivals such as the Antalya International Music Festival. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Turkey
Prominent Features:

The Side Theatre in Antalya, Turkey is an impressive 2nd century C.E. Greco-Roman style theater complex situated in the ancient city of Side. The theater complex is the largest and best-preserved of its kind in the region, and boasts one of the most spectacular views in Turkey. The theater itself is an imposing sight, boasting a capacity of 15,000 people and a stage area of 136 meters by 61 meters. Despite its size, the theater is beautifully proportioned and well-built, with adjacent marble stairways leading up to each side of the tiered seating area. The theater also features a variety of beautifully decorated reliefs and mosaics, many of which have been well-preserved throughout the centuries. As the theater is located just off the seafront, it is an amazing sight to behold at night, illuminated by its many lights which can be seen from far away. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Turkey.

History:

Side Theatre was the first theatre of its kind in Antalya, Turkey and it opened its doors in the early 1960s. The building was originally a warehouse that was converted into a theatre. It held an audience of 800, who could watch performances ranging from opera and folk music, to international dance and drama. The theatre was a fixture in the city until the late 1990s, when it suffered from financial difficulties and closed its doors. It reopened a few years later, but soon closed again, due to the city’s changing demographics and economics. In recent years, Side Theatre has been undergoing a significant transformation. In 2017, the building underwent a major renovation and modernization to become one of the leading modern theatres in the Turkish region. The theatre now features sophisticated lighting and sound systems, a box office, restaurant area, and international programming. Side Theatre continues to be a unique showcase of art and culture in the city. It offers an eclectic mix of traditional Turkish arts and modern international performances, and has become a destination for tourists and locals alike. The theatre also hosts regular events for the local community, such as film screenings, dance performances, and music concerts. Visit one of the famous monuments of Turkey with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Side Theatre was built around the second century BCE, making it one of the oldest remaining theaters in the Mediterranean. 2. The theater could seat up to 15,000 people and its acoustics were said to be unique, as an ancient pool was located beneath the stage. 3. When archaeologists excavated the theater in 1958, they discovered an intricate network of underground passageways and chambers. 4. In the 19th century, the theater was used by soldiers and officials of the Ottoman Empire as a stable and storage area. 5. It is believed that before the Roman period, a Phoenician temple was located within the theater which was later converted into a Hellenistic temple. 6. The theater was renovated in 1972, when the local government took the initiative to transform it into a venue for performing arts. 7. Part of the theater's renovation included the construction of new seats and a reconstructed roof, as well as the installation of a modern lighting system. 8. Artists from various disciplines such as theatre, music, and dance have performed at the Side Theatre, hosting hundreds of performances over the years. 9. The Side Theatre is featured in the Hollywood movie, Troy, starring Brad Pitt. 10. Today, the theater is a popular tourist attraction, allowing visitors to witness the rich history of the building and celebrate the culture of Antalya. One of the historical monuments of Turkey, it tells the story of a bygone era