Popular with many tourists, the city of Side is interesting as a resort, as a place with a rich history and cultural memorials, and simply as a picturesque corner of Turkey. It is one hour's drive from Antalya and Alanya , and is convenient for its guests in the fact that hotels and attractions are close to each other. About what places in the city and the surrounding area is worth a visit, and about what else interesting you can see in Side, having a lot of time, we will tell further.
Interesting places in Side
Temple of Apollo in Side
Apollo was one of the main gods of the city and in his honor in the territory of Side in the II century was built a temple.
Previously it was a majestic structure. Its total area was 500 m2. On the perimeter of the building there were huge 9-meter columns made of white marble. To date, the temple, even with partial restoration, appears before tourists in ruined form. Despite this, it is beautiful, especially recommend to tourists visiting the temple of Apollo in the evening, when the surviving parts of the memorial are artificially highlighted.
Temple of Artemis in Side
The second patron of Side was Artemis, personifying the Moon. In her honor the church was also erected. The height of its columns was 9 meters, but the area was much larger than in the temple of Apollo.
Until now, only five columns survived, made of marble in the Corinthian style. The temple of Artemis is interesting not only as a historical memorial, it is located on the beach, and tourists have the opportunity to admire the seascapes.
Monumental fountain of Nymphaeum
A monumental fountain in Side is a place that guests of the city need to visit without fail. It is located in the old part of Side, just behind the Main Gate. Nymphaeum was erected in the I - II century. It does not look like modern fountains.
Earlier it was a majestic structure of three floors, whose height was 5 meters. The fountain was 35 meters long. It consisted of marble niches in which statues stood. It was also divided by columns, decorated with its frescoes. To date, from the fountain there are only two floors. Carefully consider them and all the details tourists can, walking through its territory and sitting on benches that have survived since the creation of the fountain itself.
Museum of Ancient Art in Side
Being an interesting city from the point of view of archeology, Side has on its territory a museum dedicated to ancient art. The collection of the museum is represented by antique statues, torsos of mythological characters, sarcophagi, tombs, portraits and smaller objects of household use, for example, amphoras, coins, etc.
Interest not only exhibits, but also the walls of the museum. It is located in the building of the former Roman baths.
What to see in the surroundings of Side?
Aspendos Bridge
In the neighborhood of Side, an interesting place for tourists is the Aspendos Bridge. The exact date of its erection is not known. It is believed that the main building was destroyed by an earthquake in the IV century. The bridge acquired its present appearance in the 13th century.
Some of the historical buildings remained at the base of the bridge, but during the construction of the main part it was found out that some of the bridge supports moved from the original place with the current. The result of this was that the bridge from the side looks like a humpback, and when you climb up to it the gaze of tourists opens a zigzag road.
Waterfalls in the surroundings of Side
Manavgat waterfall
The closest thing to the city is a low, only 2 - 3 meter high, Manavgat waterfall. It is best to visit it in the summer, when you can admire the local species, and there is no risk that the waterfall will disappear due to floods. Its small height is compensated by a width of 40 meters. Near the waterfall are cafes and restaurants, where tourists are offered to try freshly caught trout.
Waterfalls Duden
If you drive towards Antalya, tourists can visit two more waterfalls on the river Dyuden. The height of the largest is 45 meters, and the waterfall, located downstream attracts tourists the opportunity to visit the natural cave in the rock under the waterfall.
Kursunlu Waterfall and National Park
Kurshunlu is notable not only as a waterfall. On the territory of this landmark and along the river is the National Park, where you can get acquainted with local plants and ride a camel.
In the area of the waterfall itself there is a cafe, shops for recreation and even wild paths, for a walk on which fans of local color and light extreme go.
If you go down from the waterfall Kurshunlu downstream you can get to the amazing turquoise lagoon.
