Aspendos

The ancient city of Aspendos is located in the Serik district of Antalya, along the banks of the Köprüçay River. Its name appears as “Estvediys” on coins minted in the 5th century BCE, indicating that Aspendos is a very ancient settlement.

Throughout its history, the city came under the rule of the Persians, Alexander the Great, the Romans, and the Seljuks. Particularly during the Roman period, large structures such as the theater and aqueducts were constructed.

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The Aspendos Aqueducts are an outstanding example of Roman engineering. Built in the 2nd century CE, the aqueducts transported water from springs located approximately 15 kilometers away at Gökçepınar to the city.

Channels, bridges, and tunnels were constructed to carry the water. Bridges up to one kilometer in length and reaching heights of 30 meters still stand today. The system of two large water pressure towers is particularly impressive.

Aspendos is famous not only for its aqueducts but also for its theater. Built between 161 and 180 CE, the theater has a capacity of 15,000 to 20,000 spectators. Its acoustics are so precise that spoken words on stage can be clearly heard from the highest rows.

The Seljuks used the theater as a palace and restored certain sections, which contributed to its preservation until the present day.

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The site also contains remains of an agora, a basilica, a monumental fountain, and a temple. Aspendos’s economy was based on the trade of salt, wine, olive oil, and its famous horses. Today, Aspendos is one of the most visited ancient cities in Antalya. It was added to UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites in 2015.

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