The Temple of Apollo in Side: Five Columns on the Shore of the Mediterranean Sea
At the very tip of the ancient Side Peninsula, in the province of Antalya, amidst the ruins of the ancient port city stands one of Turkey’s most photogenic ancient monuments—the Temple of Apollo. Of the once-massive structure, only five Corinthian columns with an entablature have survived to this day, but it is precisely these five columns that have become the symbol of Side and one of the must-see sunset views along the Mediterranean coast. When the sun sets over the sea directly behind the temple, the silhouette of the columns is cast against the orange sky as if this scene were specially created for postcards.
History
Side was founded by Greek colonists from the Aeolian island of Cima in the 7th century BCE. The city quickly became a major port, an important hub for the slave trade, and the center of religious life in Pamphylia. Apollo was considered the city’s patron, and his temple stood at the very edge of the cape, at the entrance to the harbor—the location was chosen so that the temple would be the first thing approaching ships saw.
The existing temple was built around 150 CE, during the Pax Romana, under Emperor Antoninus Pius (138–161). This was the golden age of Roman cities in Asia Minor, when the state treasury and local nobility invested enormous sums in monumental construction. The Temple of Apollo stood next to the equally impressive Temple of Athena and, in fact, formed a single sacred complex with it.
In the 5th–6th centuries, following the triumph of Christianity, both temples were dismantled or converted into a basilica—a large early Christian church was erected in their place. By the Middle Ages, this church had also been abandoned, and Side was deserted following Arab raids. The ruins of the Temple of Apollo lay in a chaotic heap of fallen blocks until the 20th century.
Between 1984 and 1990, Turkish restorers carried out anastylosis—that is, they assembled five columns with an entablature from the original fragments found, restoring part of the temple’s eastern side. In 2017, additional restoration work was carried out: the concrete joints from the previous work had begun to crumble, exposing the rebar. Materials identical to those used in the 1980s were employed.
What to see
Five columns and an entablature
The main feature is the five restored Corinthian columns with finely crafted capitals and a shared entablature. The capitals are in the Late Corinthian order, featuring lush acanthus leaves and volutes. This is the most photographed spot in Side, especially at sunset.
The neighboring Temple of Athena
A few meters from the Temple of Apollo lie the foundations of the Temple of Athena—less impressive but interesting in terms of layout. Archaeological excavations at this site are ongoing, and from time to time, visitors can see specialists at work.
The Harbor and Cape The ruins themselves stand at the very tip of the peninsula, surrounded by water on three sides. This is the site of Side’s ancient harbor, where merchant and military ships once moored. Today, there is a short promenade here with a view of the turquoise sea and the beach to the right.The Ancient City of Side
The Temple of Apollo is just one part of the vast Side Archaeological Park: nearby is a large amphitheater with 15,000 seats (one of the largest in Turkey), the agora, the baths (now a museum), a nymphaeum, and the colonnade of the main street. A walk through Old Side is a full day in the ancient city.
Interesting Facts
- The temple was built around 150 CE during the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius, at the height of Roman Pamphylia’s prosperity.
- Of the entire massive structure, only five columns with a fragment of the entablature have been restored—this is the result of an anastylosis carried out between 1984 and 1990.
- Apollo was the patron deity of the city of Side, and his temple stood at the very edge of the cape so that ships could see the sanctuary as they approached the harbor.
- The Temple of Apollo stood next to the Temple of Athena—together they formed a sacred double complex, and during the Byzantine period, a basilica stood in their place.
- In May 2022, a nightclub opened next to the temple, raising serious concerns among experts: the noise and lighting could interfere with archaeological work at the neighboring Temple of Athena.
How to get there
The temple is located in the town of Side (Manavgat district, Antalya province), at the very tip of the old peninsula. GPS coordinates: 36.7643° N, 31.3864° E. From Antalya Airport (AYT)—about 65 km along Highway D-400 (approximately one hour by car). Direct shuttles and dolmuşes run constantly.
From the town of Manavgat—about 5 km to the east—regular dolmuşes cost a couple of lira. Inside Side, car traffic is restricted: parking is available at the entrance to the old town, followed by a 10–15-minute walk to the temple. The walking route passes through the ancient gates and colonnade—that’s part of the fun.
Tips for travelers
The main tip is to come at sunset. Between 6 :00 and 8 :00 (depending on the season), the sun sets directly behind the columns, offering the most spectacular view on the entire coast. Dozens of photographers flock to the temple for this moment, but there’s plenty of room for everyone. An alternative is early morning: there are almost no tourists, and the light is soft.
You can tour the temple itself quickly—15–20 minutes is enough. But it’s easy to spend half a day in Side exploring the amphitheater, the agora, the museum, and the old street with its shops. Admission to the area around the temple is usually free; separate tickets are required for the museum and the amphitheater.
Wear comfortable shoes with closed toes (rocks and uneven paths). Bring water with you: in the summer, daytime temperatures easily exceed 35 °C. Combine your visit with a trip to the Manavgat Waterfall and the ancient city of Aspendos—in one long day, you’ll see the ancient classics of Pamphylia at their most spectacular.
