Hotels near Aspendos Theatre

The theatre at Aspendos is routinely called the best-preserved Roman theatre anywhere in the world, and standing inside its 15,000-seat auditorium makes the claim easy to believe. Built in 155 AD during the reign of Marcus Aurelius, the stage building (scaenae frons) still stands to its full original height of 25 metres - a survival almost unmatched in the Roman world. The acoustics remain extraordinary; a coin dropped on the stage can be heard from the top row.

Aspendos is 47 km east of Antalya city centre (about 45 minutes by car). Entry is TRY 200 (EUR 5.50) or covered by the Museum Pass. The site also includes the remains of a basilica, agora, nymphaeum, and a spectacular Roman aqueduct visible from the road. Allow 1.5-2 hours. Most visitors combine Aspendos with Perge on the same day trip, as they are only 30 km apart. Open daily 08:00-19:00 in summer, 08:00-17:00 in winter.

Pro Tip: Arrive at opening time (08:00) to have the theatre almost to yourself for 30-40 minutes before the tour buses. Stand at centre stage and test the acoustics - even a whisper carries to the upper tiers.