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Altinkaya, Manavgat and Side
An important city of ancient Pisdia, Altinkaya (Selge),
northwest of the Koprulu Canyon National Park, is reached by a winding
mountain road. The city walls, towers, cisterns, temple to Zeus, agora,
stadium, theater, gymnaslum and necropolis remain from this commercial
city that stood at an elevation of 950 meters. Historians verify that
Selge had direct trade with Antalya, which brought it prosperity.
Although the Manavgat Waterfalls are not high, milky white, foaming
water rushes powerfully over the rocks. Next to the waterfalls shady tea
gardens and restaurants make the falls a pleasant, cool resting spot,
especially welcome after a day of sightseeing. You can take a delightful
boat trip up the Manavgat river to explore this lovely area further.
Side, one of the best-known classical sites in Turkey, was an ancient
harbor whose name meant pomegranate. Today a pretty resort town, its
ancient ruins, two sandy beaches, many shops and extensive tourist
accommodation attract throngs of visitors. There are numerous cafes and
restaurants with a view of the sea, and the shops that line the narrow
streets seli typical Turkish handicrafts including leather goods and
Turkey's famous beautiful gold jewelery. Tne magnificent theater of the
ancient city, built on colonnaded arches, is the largest in tne wncle
area. (Closed for restoration) Other monuments include the agora, the
Apollo Temple. whicn is situated near the sea. a fountain and necropolis.
The extensive Roman baths. now a museum. houses one of Turkey's finest
archaelogical collections. |
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East of Side, tucked in pine forests the holiday
resorts of Sorgun, Titreyen Gol (Blue Flag) and Kizilagac are both
popular for their sandy beaches and sparkling sea. The atmosphere is
relaxed, the accommadation plentiful and the activities endless.
West of Side, the holiday centers of Kumkoy, Colakli and Kamelya also
offer sun and sea, in close proximity to ancient sites. In the
Pamphlyian Seleucia (Bucaksihlar), 15km northeast of Side, are the
remains (in good condition) of Roman baths, temples, churches, a
mausoleum, theatre and agora. |
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