Aspendos

Introduction

Aspendos also known locally as Belkis or Belkiz is situated around 45 kilometres east of Antalya and has been made famous by the presence of one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatre in the world.

Well preserved Roman era Amphitheatre at Aspendos, Turkey

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History

Aspendos is believed to have been founded by the Greeks who came to the Pamphylia region after the Trojan war. It is also possible that the city could have been founded by the Hittites. Aspendos was one of the earliest cities in the region to mint silver coins. The spread of its coinage throughout the ancient world indicates that Aspendos was an important city of Pamphylia in 5th century BC. The city was conquered by Alexander, the Great in 333 BC. Subsequently after Alexandar’s death the city passed into the control of Romans, Byzantine and finally Turks.

Suburbs

Sights

The prime attraction in Aspendos is the well preserved Amphitheatre with a seating capacity of around 15,000 people. The theatre is believed to have been constructed in the 2nd Century AD by an architect named Xenon during the reign of Marcus Aurelius. The theatre is still used for performances and festivals and its galleries, stage, seating arrangements and acoustics testify to its grand architectural design which has stood the test of time for thousand of years. Holes for 58 masts are found in the upper level of the theatre, which might have been used for pulling sheets to provide shade to the audiences.

Just above the theatre, there is an acropolis and situated nearby are the ruins of a basilica, agora, nymphaeum and Roman aqueduct.

Activities

Events and Festivals

During the summers Aspendos Opera and Ballet festival is held with performances by groups from various regions of Turkey. It is wonderful to be part of the 10,000 strong audiences cheering the performers in an open air theatre!!

Weather

Aspendos has a typical Mediterranean climate with dry summers and moderately warm and moist winters.

Getting There

By Plane

The nearest airport is in Antalya which is located around 45 kilometres from Aspendos. This airport handles both domestic and international flights.

By Train

By Car

By Bus

Bus service is excellent in Turkey. Istanbul-Antalya is one of the busiest routes and lots of buses are available on this route. There are overnight buses and day time buses and most of them take around 12-14 hours. There is a frequent mini-bus service operating between Antalya and Aspendos. Two of the well known and most reputed bus companies operating in Turkey are Varan and Ulusoy.

By Boat

Getting Around

Taxis can be hired from Antalya for visiting the ruins at Antalya. It is better to bargain for the rates before boarding any vehicle as the rates vary according to the tourist season.

By Car

By Public Transport

By Boat

By Bike

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Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Post

PTT is the national post service. Services are generally moderately fast but quite reliable. Sending a standard letter or postcard costs €0.65 within Turkey and €0.80 (letters) or €0.85 (postcards) internationally. There is an extended price list on the PTT website. For sending packages one might also use international companies such as DHL and UPS and local companies such as Yurtici Kargo. Post offices bear the distinctive yellow PTT sign and are generally open between 9:00am to 12:00 noon and 1:30pm to 5:00pm from Monday to Friday.