Aspendos Theatre - Best-Preserved Example Of Roman Theatre Construction In The World.

June 25, 2011 - PRLog -- Aspendos, the former ancient city of Pamphylia, is noted for its magnificent Roman ruins and the famous Aspendos Theater. The site is located in what is now southwestern Turkey and is frequented by thousands of visitors each year because it is home to the best Roman ruins in Turkey. The site is situated on the banks of the River Eurymedon and is surrounded by two hills that are filled with ruins and fantastic Roman structures. There are various tours of Aspendos that visitors can take, including self-guided and guided options, and all the ruins are accessible by foot. The grand site provides wonderful knowledge and insight on the Roman stronghold and influence in the Turkish area.
The most famous structure at the archaeological site is the Aspendos Theater. It is carved out of one of the sides of the hill and was designed by the Roman architect Zeno. The theater was built in honor of the famous emperor Marcus Aurelius, who ruled from 161 to 180 AD. The Aspendos Theater remains largely intact and is the most finished structure in all of Roman Turkey. The theater was built of calcareous stone and brick was added later on. There are 39 rows of seats and when packed to capacity, the structure could hold about 20,000 spectators. The theater at Aspendos Turkey is also blessed with an elegant gallery and shaded arcade at the top of the structure for those with money. The acoustics here are amongst the best in the world and plays and performances are still put on throughout the year for visitors to enjoy. The annual Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival is also held at the theater from mid-June through August.
Just above the theater there is the acropolis with a great view of the river from the top, where a basilica, an agora, a nymphaeum and a bouleuterion (council) can be seen, all of them in ruins. About one kilometer north of the town there is one of the largest Roman aqueducts in Anatolia which supplied Aspendos with water.
To feel great atmosphere of south Turkey’s historic side, visitors can stay in Tuvana Hotel, which surrounded by gardens, is situated in Antalya’s historical centre only 450 metres from Hadrian's Gate. It features an outdoor pool and spacious luxurious and refined guestrooms with traditional Ottoman décor.
Still used for performances nowadays, the theater really allows to imagine what it was like to attend a dramatic performance in Roman times. Even if you are not a history enthusiast, you will be amazed by this attraction. If you are a history buff, you will soak in the atmosphere and imagine what a site it must have been in its original state.