ANTALYA

Antalya is also known as the Turkish Riviera. Because of the archaeological and natural riches of the area, the sun, sea, nature and history combine to form a very popular resort, highlighted by some of the cleanest beaches in the Meditteranean. The 630 km shoreline of the province is scattered with ancient cities, harbours, memorial tombs and beaches, secluded coves and lush forests, many of wich are easily accessible from the city..

With its palm-lined boulevard, internationally-acclaimed marina, and old castle with traditional architecture, all set amidst a modern city, Antalya is a major tourist centre in Turkey.

Phaselis: Located on the western side of the Gulf of Antalya, the ancient city of Phaselis dates back to the second centruy BC. Today, the town features lovely small inlets, forests and a strikingly blue coastline.

Myra: Located just north of Demre, this town is easy to get to and, as you wander through this fourth century AD Lycean city, take some time to visit the home of St. Nicholas, who lived in this town.

Finike: Another of the region’s interesting sights is this town to the west of Olympos, which is known for its orange trees and. greenhouses.

Perge: Situated 18 km east of Antalya, Perge is an ancient city within the borders of Aksu district. City of Paphylia meaning “Country of Races” in Greek, was established on the east of Antalya city with the Greek migration from Northern Anatolia to southern coasts in 12 BC. Since Perga is located on Cilicia-Pysidia trade route, it became an important city of Pamphylia and was established in the midland with the aim of being protected from the pirate attacks. Main Goddess for Perga was Perga Artemis and it was an important city for Christians. Saint Paulos and Barnabas came to Perga Anno Domini. The rich people such as Magna Plancia enabled the construction of significant monuments. Theatre, Stadion, Agora, Colonnaded Street, Necropolis, Gymnasium ve Baths are the structures that are historically intact by now.

Side and Manavgat: This feature and information obtained from some inscriptions in this region shows that the history of Side dates back to Hittites. However, one of the oldest residential areas in Anatolia, it is also suggested that Side was established in the 7th century BC. During the course of Anatolian history, Side had gone through the same stages with the other Pamphylia cities. Side is an ancient city with traces of history. Side Ancient Theatre, Apollon Temple, Selge, Seleukeia and Canals have resisted the detrimental effects of history and are among the important cultural heritages that has existed by now.

Aspendos: Aspendos is one of the important cities in Pamphylia Region. Its name was written as Estwediiys/Estuediya on the coins of 5th and 4th century BC.  Aspendos is the best protected theatre of Turkey. During the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, it was built by Architect Zeno, the son of Theodoros. Built in the 2nd century, Aspendos Theatre has a capacity of 17.000 spectators and is the extant and best protected amphitheatre. Perfect acoustics provided by its architecture is still a mystery today. Seljuks used the structure as a caravanserai in the 13th century and reinforced the northern part of the structure with an arc of Seljuk architecture style. Aspendos hosts various concerts and festivals.