ANTALYA / ISTANBUL

The ancient theaters scattered across Türkiye’s Antalya province — once venues for gladiator battles, dramatic performances, and civic assemblies — continue to draw visitors as enduring symbols of Anatolia’s rich cultural heritage.

The Mediterranean province, one of Türkiye’s top cultural tourism destinations, draws millions of visitors each year with its blend of natural beauty and deep historical roots. Dozens of ancient cities from the Lycia, Pamphylia, and Pisidia civilizations remain major attractions for tourists and archaeology enthusiasts.

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Ancient theaters in southwestern Türkiye stand as monumental witnesses to history

Among their most striking structures are Hellenistic- and Roman-era theaters, many of which have survived for millennia and today host cultural events and sightseeing tours.

The Aspendos Ancient Theater, built by two Roman brothers, is considered one of the world’s best-preserved Roman theaters, retaining both its stage building and extensive seating area. With a capacity of about 15,000, the theater continues to host concerts and large-scale performances.

The theater at Termessos, perched high in Gulluk Mountain National Park, offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Its elevated setting, like an eagle’s nest, also provides ample opportunities to observe local wildlife and endemic plants.

Side’s ancient theater, one of the most imposing structures in the former Pamphylian port city, features a three-story stage building and elaborate decorations, standing out as a notable example of Roman architecture.

The theater in Myra Ancient City is regarded as one of the best-preserved Roman-era theaters, with seating rows and a stage building that remains intact up to half of its second story.

The theaters of Perge — one of Anatolia’s most systematically planned ancient cities known for its architecture and marble sculpture — along with Patara, former capital of the Lycian League; Xanthos, which is listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List; Limyra in Finike, famous for the waters flowing through it; Simena, distinguished by its stunning panoramic views of Kekova; and the ancient mountain city of Selge in Pisidia, are also among popular stops for tourists visiting the region.

Nevzat Cevik, an archaeologist at Antalya's Akdeniz University, told Anadolu that ancient theaters were symbolic landmarks, reflecting the culture, social life, and engineering achievements of their time.

He said theaters served as social gathering spaces that mirrored the societies that built them:

“Ancient theaters are important structures because, beyond displaying their architectural features, they also convey the events that took place within them, allowing us to clearly understand the culture, wealth, welfare level, and social dynamism of the period.”

Kudret Sezgin, an archaeologist at Hitit University who leads excavations at Limyra, said the theaters served as hubs for political, artistic and cultural events.

“In Hellenistic theaters, performances in the form of literary plays — what we call drama and comedy — were staged. In the Roman period, however, gladiator games, wild animal fights, and even naval battles were reenacted.”