The Roman Theatre of Aspendos in Antalya

During our holiday to Antalya, we wanted to explore as many ancient sites as possible. That was one of the key reasons we picked Antalya as our base. The region is full of history, with impressive ruins from different periods. Along with Perge (the Ancient City), Aspendos was high on our list of places to visit.  

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Aspendos Theatre is one of the best-preserved ancient theatres in the world. Built during the 2nd century AD in the Roman era, it still stands strong today. Located about 45km east of Antalya, it is a must-visit for anyone interested in history and architecture. The theatre is famous for its grand structure, excellent acoustics and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.  

History of Aspendos Theatre  

Aspendos Theatre was built in the 2nd century AD during the reign of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. It was designed by the architect Zenon, a local of Aspendos. The theatre was built to host large gatherings, including plays, musical performances and even gladiator fights. Entertainment was an important part of Roman life and theatres like this played a key role in social and cultural events.  

During Roman times, Aspendos was a thriving city known for its trade and wealth. It was an important centre along key trade routes, allowing it to prosper. The theatre, with its grand design and advanced engineering, was a symbol of the city’s importance. It was not just a place for entertainment but also a mark of Roman influence and power in the region.  

Tidbit: Do you know what the difference between a theatre and an amphitheatre is? A theatre is typically semi-circular with the audience seated faced in one direction - like in Aspendos Theatre. An amphitheatre, on the other hand, is oval or circular and has seating surrounding the central open space, allowing audience to view from all angles - like the Colosseum (the Flavian Amphitheatre) in Rome.

The Architecture and Design of Aspendos Theatre

Aspendos Theatre is an impressive structure, built entirely from local limestone. Our tour guide mentioned that it could seat around 12,000 to 15,000 spectators, making it one of the largest Roman theatres in Anatalya.

The seating area, known as the cavea, is semi-circular and divided into two sections by a walkway. The rows of seats rise steeply, ensuring that everyone had a clear view of the stage. Beneath the seating area, a network of tunnels and passageways allowed performers and workers to move around easily.  

One of the most remarkable features of the theatre is its incredible acoustics. The design of the semi-circular seating, along with the high stage building, helps sound travel clearly across the entire theatre. Even today, a person speaking on stage can be heard clearly from the top rows without any modern amplification. We got a demo of this from our tour guide. It was amazing.

The stage building itself is richly decorated with columns and intricate carvings and featured statues as well at one point in time. It was originally two storeys high and served as both a backdrop for performances and a way to enhance the acoustics.  

What to See and Do at Aspendos Theatre

The main highlight of Aspendos is, of course, the grand theatre itself. Walking through its massive stone arches and climbing up the steep seating rows gives a real sense of its scale and history. You can test the famous acoustics by speaking or clapping to hear how sound carries across the theatre. From the top rows, there are stunning views of the surrounding countryside. 

Besides the theatre, there are also ruins of the ancient city of Aspendos nearby, including remains of an aqueduct, a basilica and a stadium, which are worth exploring for those interested in Roman history. We went on a guided tour and it did not include these other places.

How to Get to Aspendos Theatre  

Aspendos Theatre is located about 45km east of Antalya and can be reached in less than an hour by car. It is also close to other historic sites like Perge and Side, making it a great addition to a day trip. The nearest town to Aspendos is Serik, which is about 8km away. You can choose from different transport options to get there, including self-driving, public transport or guided tours.  

The best way to visit Aspendos depends on your preference. If you have a car, self-driving gives you flexibility and there is parking available near the site. Public buses run from Antalya to Serik, but from there, you would need a taxi to reach the theatre. A guided tour is the most convenient option, we think, as it includes transport and often combines multiple sites in one trip. We visited Aspendos as part of a guided tour that also included Perge and Side. Everything was taken care of, including hotel pickup and drop-off at Grand Park Lara (where we were staying), which made the experience hassle-free.

Best Time to Visit Aspendos Theatre

The best time to visit Aspendos Theatre is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and not too hot. Summers in Antalya can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C, making it uncomfortable to explore the site during midday. If visiting in summer, it’s best to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid both the heat and the crowds. Winter is generally quieter, but occasional rain can make the stone steps slippery. For the best experience, visiting in the morning allows you to enjoy the theatre with fewer people and better lighting for photos.

 

Entry Fees and Visitor Information  

Aspendos Theatre is open to visitors daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with the last admission at 4:30 pm. The entrance fee is around €15 per person. As we visited as part of a guided tour, our tickets were pre-purchased by our guide, allowing us to bypass queues and maximise our time exploring the site.

Facilities at the site include a large car park, a café, a small shop and toilet facilities.

Tips for Visiting Aspendos Theatre

When visiting Aspendos Theatre, it's best to wear comfortable shoes, as the stone steps can be steep and uneven. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential, especially in the warmer months, as there is little shade. Carrying a bottle of water is also a good idea. For photography, the best lighting is in the morning or late afternoon and climbing to the top rows offers great panoramic shots (worth the effort but be very careful). Also, some surfaces can be very slippery when it has rained, so watch your step.

And finally, be mindful of the ancient structure and do not climb on restricted areas.

Aspendos Theatre is a must-visit for anyone exploring Antalya, especially those interested in history and architecture. Its incredible preservation, stunning design and impressive acoustics make it one of the finest ancient theatres in the world. 

Standing in the same place where audiences gathered centuries ago is a fascinating experience. It’s a great addition to any Antalya itinerary, whether as a standalone visit or part of a tour with other ancient sites. We absolutely loved visiting Aspendos and would love to return someday to experience a live performance in this magnificent setting.