Side-Turkey.

Most ancient theatres reach us as fragments — a tumble of seats, a few broken columns, a stage that has long since vanished. Aspendos is the rare exception. Stand in the orchestra here and you are surrounded by an almost complete Roman theatre: the curved bank of seating, the tall multi-storey stage wall, the vaulted entrances. It is widely described as the best-preserved Roman theatre in Anatolia, and one of the most intact anywhere. This guide explains how it survived, who built it, and what to look for when you visit on the Aspendos & Perge Ancient Cities Tour.

Who built the Aspendos theatre, and when?

According to Turkey's Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Antalya Governorship, the theatre was built in the 2nd century AD during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (161–180 AD). The architect was Zenon, son of Theodoros — a local man whose name survives in the building's dedicatory inscriptions. Those same inscriptions, in Greek and Latin, record that the project was funded by two wealthy brothers of the city, Curtius Crispinus and Curtius Auspicatus, who dedicated it to the gods of the homeland and the imperial house.

The capacity is usually given as around 15,000 to 20,000 spectators — a serious civic statement for a Pamphylian city. What makes Aspendos remarkable is not just the size but the completeness: it is one of the few Roman theatres where the seating (cavea) and the towering stage building (scaenae frons) survive together as a single, legible whole.

Why is it the best-preserved one?

Survival is rarely an accident. At Aspendos, a large part of the credit goes to the Seljuks. In the 13th century the building was reused, and the stage block was adapted — you can still see the Seljuk additions, including a monumental gateway inserted into the centre of the exterior facade and the distinctive dark-red zigzag plaster decoration. By giving the structure a second life rather than quarrying it for stone, this reuse helped the stage wall come down to us almost intact.

There is a modern chapter too. In 1930, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk visited Aspendos and ordered its repair and continued use — a decision that set the theatre on the path to its present role as a working performance space. Today the site sits on UNESCO's World Heritage Tentative List (since 2015), recognised together with its remarkable aqueducts.

The acoustics

Aspendos is famous among visitors for its acoustics: the steep, carefully proportioned cavea and the solid stage wall throw sound cleanly up to the highest rows. Guides love to demonstrate this, and it is part of why the theatre is still used for live performance, including the long-running Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival. If a rehearsal happens to be on when you visit, it is unforgettable — though the festival programme and any event access are best confirmed at booking.

What to look for on the Aspendos & Perge tour

Aspendos is usually paired with Perge, near Aksu — a Hellenistic-Roman city with a long colonnaded street, a large stadium, an agora, Roman baths and its own theatre. The two complement each other: Aspendos is about a single perfect monument, while Perge lets you walk a whole ancient streetscape. Some itineraries also add the Side ancient city and/or the Kurşunlu Waterfall. At the theatre itself, look up at the stage wall for the rows of niches, trace the Seljuk gateway and red zigzag plaster, and find a seat near the top to test the acoustics for yourself.

Quick Facts

• Duration: Guided day tour; exact duration confirmed at booking.
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking.
• Includes: Hotel pick-up & return, guided visit to the ancient cities; details confirmed at booking.
• Excludes: Site entrance fees (check the official site), food & drinks, personal expenses — confirmed at booking.
• Family Friendly: Yes — great for curious kids and teens; open-air walking.
• Best Season: Spring and autumn for comfortable walking; bring sun protection and water in summer.
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate — some uneven ground and steps; comfortable shoes recommended.

Related Excursions

• Tours from Side
• Tours from Antalya
• Tours from Belek
• Tours from Kemer
• Tours from Alanya
• More travel guides on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Aspendos really the best-preserved Roman theatre?

It is widely described by Turkey's culture authorities as the best-preserved Roman theatre in Anatolia and one of the most intact anywhere, because both the seating and the tall stage building survive together.

When and by whom was it built?

In the 2nd century AD, during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (161–180 AD), by the architect Zenon, son of Theodoros, funded by the local brothers Curtius Crispinus and Curtius Auspicatus.

How many people did it hold?

Official sources put the capacity at roughly 15,000 to 20,000 spectators.

Why did it survive so well?

Largely thanks to Seljuk-era reuse in the 13th century, which adapted and protected the stage building, plus a 1930 restoration ordered after Atatürk's visit.

Can you still see performances there?

Yes — the theatre is still used for live events, including the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival. Programme dates and any event access should be confirmed at booking.

Is Aspendos visited together with Perge?

Yes — they are commonly combined in one day, sometimes with the Side ancient city and/or the Kurşunlu Waterfall.

How far is it from Side?

Both cities are in the Antalya region near Side; we arrange hotel pick-up and return, with timing confirmed at booking.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes — it is an open-air, walking visit that families enjoy. Bring water, sun protection and comfortable shoes.

Ready to stand inside a 1,800-year-old Roman theatre? Book the Aspendos & Perge Ancient Cities Tour direct with the Murat Atalay team — message us on WhatsApp or email info@side-turkey.com. Booking direct skips agency and OTA commissions and comes with our best-price guarantee.