The ancient city of Aspendos is approximately 9 km away from the Serik district of Antalya was founded by the Akalar in the 10th century BC. The city is spread over the plains of the hill near the Köprüçay River.
The city was one of the first cities in the region to mint coins in its name and owes its development to the river and fertile lands near it. The most glorious period of the city remained under Persian rule until the first quarter of the 5th century BC. It is in the Roman Imperial Period, when its famous theater and waterways were built. The city continued its existence in the Byzantine and Seljuk Periods as well.
The most striking building in the ancient city is the theater dedicated to the gods and the emperors of the period, making its visitors feel the golden ages, wealth and splendor of the Roman Period. Located on the slope of a small hill with a capacity of approximately 12,000 people, the ancient theater is famous throughout the Mediterranean world as one of the most well-preserved structures with its stage.
Next to the theater are 15 km of arched waterways, other important ruins of the city. There are water pressure towers at the height of 30 meters at both ends of the north-south arched bridge, approximately 1 km long. The city's water is collected in pear-shaped cisterns carved into the bedrock. It can be seen from place to place on the hill. This unique waterway system is one of the rarest examples of ancient waterways preserved today.
The basilica, agora, parliament building, monumental fountain, a monumental arch, street, and Hellenistic temple on the hill where the theater leans, surrounded by city walls, are other important ruins that should be seen.
Aspendos Ancient City is where different events are held, and its imposing theater that hosts various concerts and festivals today awaits you as a magnificent witness of history.
