Ancient City Side-Temple of Apollo

The settlement of Side began around 3500 years ago, with the city's founding traditionally dated to the 7th century BC by Aeolian settlers from Kyme. Side achieved its greatest importance as a port city in the ancient region of Pamphylia, particularly during the Roman era in the 2nd and 3rd centuries. In the 5th or 6th century, Side became an episcopal see, leading to further construction projects. The city was likely abandoned in the 10th century, and an earthquake in the 12th century definitively destroyed many of the remaining structures.

The ancient city of Side, including the Temple of Apollo, is situated in Selimiye, a district of Manavgat in the Antalya province, on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. The ruins lie at an elevation of approximately 3 meters above sea level.

The remains of the ancient city of Side, including the Temple of Apollo, are open for visitors. Five re-erected columns of the temple at the harbor form a photo motif and are a landmark of the site.