At the edge of Side’s ancient harbour stand five majestic columns of shimmering marble, as still as sentinels guarding a memory. For millennia they have framed the evening sky, drawing travelers to the peninsula tip to witness the sunset behind ruins. The setting is cinematic: the temple’s fluted Corinthian pillars rise from the rocky shore, glowing pink and gold in the waning light. From the harbor below one can see how these columns — all that remain of once seventeen — make an arresting city emblem. They are both monument and metaphor: a timeless fragment of Greece’s temple tradition, consecrated under Rome, now forever entwined with Side’s seaside identity.

An Icon at the Edge of the Mediterranean: Why the Temple of Apollo Endures

A First Glance: The Enduring Power of the Five Corinthian Columns

As visitors approach Side’s Old Town, these five columns dominate the view. They still soar nearly twelve metres high, their acanthus-leaf capitals finely carved despite centuries of weathering. Archaeological reports note that in the 1980s five standing shafts were re-erected to recreate the original alignment, so one can appreciate the temple’s scale. In afternoon sun or at dawn’s first light the columns form strong vertical lines against a bright sky or the harbour’s waters. Even without its roof and walls, the temple “goes to a whole other level of impressiveness at sunset”. The harmony of fluted stone, turned gold by sunlight, remains quietly commanding — a rare survival of Classical order on the Turkish coast.

What This Guide Covers: Beyond the Standard Tourist Information

This guide goes far beyond a typical travel blurb. It explores the ancient myths linked to Apollo and Side, recounts the temple’s full history from construction to modern digs, and analyzes its architecture in detail. The narrative then turns practical: you will find sections on planning a visit, travel tips, and even photography advice. In each part, we weave empirical facts with humanistic insight. The goal is a comprehensive story of Apollo’s Temple at Side — not just an outline of its ruins. Our style is both scholarly and engaging: expect original connections, clear citations, and in-depth explanations that enlighten rather than just describe.

The Legends of the Gods: Unraveling the Mythology of Apollo and Side

The cult of Apollo and the local myths of Side are inseparable from the temple’s meaning. Apollo himself is one of the most prominent Olympian deities. Ancient sources agree that Apollo was the god of many things: music, song, poetry, healing and medicine, prophecy and oracles, archery, and even the protection of the young. He was often depicted as a youthful, beardless figure with long hair and several divine attributes. Chief among these attributes are his lyre and his laurel wreath. The lyre is Apollo’s most recognizable symbol because it “signifies that Apollo is the god of music”. Indeed, in Homeric poems Apollo could charm the gods themselves with his harp. The laurel branch (crowned in wreaths) is tied to Apollo’s pursuit of the nymph Daphne; her flight ended only when she transformed into a laurel tree. Thus the laurel wreath he wears has become a broader symbol of victory and honor — a tradition still seen in Olympic customs.

Apollo is also associated with light and the sun. Myth holds that each dawn Apollo rode his chariot across the sky, bringing daylight. In art he often appears surrounded by rays or a radiant crown. Altogether, Apollo is a god of light and harmony: he blends the intellectual (prophecy), the healing (medicine), and the aesthetic (music, poetry) into a unified image that matches the seaside setting of Side. In Side’s temple, these themes would have resonated strongly. A coastal harbor city lived and died by the sun and sea, and Apollo embodied the benevolent force of daylight guiding both ships and souls.

Side’s very name comes from an ancient myth. As told by Ovid, Side was the daughter (or nymph) of a local king, who fled incestuous advances by her father. She took her life on her mother’s grave, and the grieving gods transformed her blood into a pomegranate tree. (Her father became a bird that avoids pomegranate trees.) In this way Side lives on as the “Pomegranate”, symbolizing both fertility and lost innocence. This myth was surely known to the city’s priests: it gave the place a divine origin and may have influenced local cults. Fertility symbols like the pomegranate complemented Apollo’s associations with life and renewal. The name reminds us that even the city itself was woven into mythology.

Later local legend added a touch of romance. One persistent story claims that Mark Antony and Cleopatra met here at Side during her 41 BC visit to Anatolia. The tale says Cleopatra was greeted on Side’s quay under the temple’s columns — making Apollo a witness to their storied meeting. In reality, historians note that Antony summoned Cleopatra to Tarsus (far to the east) and the Side story is a later invention. A travel writer wryly calls it “beautiful fiction, not fact.” Nonetheless, this story persists as a kind of folklore. It underscores how evocative the temple is: even without historical basis, the idea of the temple’s ruins as a lovers’ rendezvous captures the imagination.

A Journey Through Time: The Complete History of the Temple of Apollo

To understand the Temple of Apollo, we must trace Side’s long history. Side was founded as a Greek colony in the 7th century BCE; by legend, settlers from the Aegean brought their gods with them. Early on, the city was dedicated to Athena (whose helmeted bust appears on Side’s coins). For centuries, Athena was primary, and other deities like Zeus, Helios (the sun), and Artemis were worshipped. Side thrived on trade; its prosperity grew under Alexander the Great and the Seleucid Empire.

The temple of Apollo was not built until the Roman era. Side entered the Roman sphere in the 1st century BCE and enjoyed the Pax Romana. By the 2nd century AD it was a bustling port. Historical sources indicate that the Temple of Apollo was erected around 150 AD, during the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius. At this time Side’s economy boomed on olive oil, wine, and trade goods, giving the city wealth to build grand monuments. Excavations and inscriptions confirm the date: one note in a modern guidebook remarks that this coincided with “a time of great prosperity” in Side.

Who built the temple? Unlike some Roman structures, no dedicatory inscription survives to name a patron. It was likely a public project funded by Side’s city council and wealthy donors, maybe under imperial approval. The scale of the temple — built entirely of imported Proconnesian marble — suggests it took significant funds. It may have been tied to the imperial cult (some coins show the emperor with Apollo), meaning money could flow from the empire as well as local elites. In any case, the result was a spectacular shrine on the harbour tip.

In its prime, the Temple of Apollo was indeed a centre of civic and religious life. Citizens would gather there for worship ceremonies. The approach was via a broad podium: six columns at the front opened to a paved altar. Inside the cella (inner sanctuary) stood a cult statue of Apollo, possibly of gold or painted wood. This cella was flanked by a rear chamber (opisthodomos) and a front porch (pronaos). We know from coin imagery that the temple stood against a backdrop of sea, presenting a grand facade to anyone arriving by boat. It dominated Side’s western landscape much like the Parthenon did on the Acropolis. The site likely hosted festivals in Apollo’s honor; local coinage minted scenes of Apollo and a temple, confirming his importance.

The transformation of the Roman Empire in the 4th century AD brought decline. Christian emperors outlawed pagan worship, and many temples were closed or repurposed. In Side, the Temple of Apollo was abandoned as a cult site. By the 5th century, its stones were being salvaged. Scholars note that in that century a large Christian church (a basilica dedicated to St. Paul) was built on the same spot. Builders took the best marble blocks from the old temple to construct the basilica’s walls and flooring. In effect, the temple was cannibalized: statues, columns and blocks were reused for the Christian structure. Thus, by the 6th century, Apollo’s house was largely dismantled.

Seismic activity then delivered the final blow. A powerful earthquake — one of several that shake Pamphylia — struck in late antiquity. The church and any standing temple walls crumbled; only the five sturdy columns remained upright. According to archaeological studies, the temple was heavily damaged by a quake, leaving only these five shafts standing. The rest of the marble fell and was later buried by earth and later construction. Thus the temple disappeared into ruin, its memory only kept alive in texts, maps and the occasional local mention.

Modern rediscovery began in earnest in the mid-20th century. In 1947, Professor Arif Müfid Mansel led systematic excavations at Side. His team cleared silt from the old town, revealing streets, monuments and ruins. Among these was Apollo’s peninsula. Mansel carefully mapped the five standing columns and collected scattered fragments from the temple’s pediment and walls. He documented the 6×11 column plan and unearthed many related artifacts, taking them to the new Side Museum. However, Mansel left the columns on the ground — the re-erection was still decades away.

In summary, the temple’s story is one of birth in the Roman boom, gradual decline under Christianity, and then rebirth as archaeology and conservation in the modern era. Each phase of its history is layered in the site, from mythic naming through classical glory and downfall.

The Anatomy of a Masterpiece: A Detailed Architectural Analysis

The Temple of Apollo is Roman by date but Greek in form. It is an entirely peripteral temple (columns on all sides) in the Corinthian order. All five remaining columns are Corinthian: each is crowned by a capital bristling with carved acanthus leaves arranged in two tiers. The acanthus motif is a hallmark of Corinthian design. The columns also have gilded abaci (square blocks on top) that once supported the entablature. The shafts are fluted (24 flutes each) and rise about 11–12 meters. Under them are Roman-style molded bases, not the simple blocks of earlier Greek temples. Even from a distance, the intertwining leaf patterns are visible in relief.

The stylobate (floor platform) was about 16 by 30 meters, with three shallow steps all around. On this base originally stood 6 columns along each short end and 11 along each side. (Today four of the front six survive, plus one at each corner.) This layout (6×11) is confirmed by archaeological measurement and by Side’s ancient coins. It means the temple had a wide façade (six columns) giving a generous porch. The inner plan consisted of a pronaos (porch) at the front, a deep cella, and an opisthodomos (rear room). Each of those front six columns aligned with columns at the back, forming a kind of outer hallway around the cella. Coins of Side show an outline of the twin temples; the Apollo temple’s design matches what we see on site.

Inside the colonnade, the cella would have been empty except for the cult statue of Apollo. Although the statue has not survived, its base would have been located near the centre back of the chamber. This inner chamber had walls, lit only by its main doorway, creating a cool, hushed sanctuary space. The pronaos (porch) had an elevated floor a step above the stylobate, used for altars or offerings before entering. The opisthodomos may have held sacred offerings or treasury items. Archaeologists have found the temple’s threshold stones and foundation blocks that confirm these floor plans.

Now for the sculptural flourishes: Above the columns ran the architrave and frieze. The frieze of the Temple of Apollo is famous for its Gorgon (Medusa) motif. In fact, sculptors carved large round Gorgon heads on marble panels that sat above the columns. Five of these original Gorgon heads survive, now perched atop each of the standing columns. (The sixth has fallen and lies broken on the ground.) Each carved Medusa bears the wild-eyed face of a snake-haired demon. This apotropaic imagery — intended to ward off evil — was common in Hellenistic Anatolian architecture. Seeing these faces today, half-turned toward the sea, gives the ruin an almost mystical quality.

Between and above the heads were more decorations: palmettes, rosettes, and Greek key moldings. The cornice (the uppermost projecting band of stone) would have had dentils and other moldings. Although most of this ornament is gone, fragments in the museum show that every horizontal beam was carved or painted. The roof itself was likely covered with terracotta tiles.

The material: Everything visible here is marble, specifically from the island of Proconnesus in the Sea of Marmara. Proconnesian marble is a very fine white marble. In daylight it almost glows. (By contrast, local Side temple buildings often used limestone or colored stones; the choice of imported marble meant this temple was truly special.) The blocks were cut in large volumes, each column shaft consisting of several drums stacked and held by metal clamps. The clamps (and dovetail joints) are visible in the broken stones on the ground. Restoration has revealed that lead or bronze pins held the frieze blocks in place.

Now let us step back and compare the neighboring Temple of Athena. It lies a few yards to the east and was almost contemporaneous. The Athena temple is slightly larger: it measured about 18×35 m on its podium, with 13 columns on its long sides. It too was Corinthian. In fact, both temples were erected in the latter half of the 2nd century AD. On coins of Side from that era, Apollo and Athena appear as twin deities, each in front of a six-column temple. Together these two sanctuaries formed the sacred heart of Side’s old harbour peninsula. (Today the Athena temple stands almost entirely in ruins, so only the Apollo columns catch most visitors’ attention. But originally the two temples flanked each other symmetrically.)

In sum, Apollo’s temple was a classic example of Roman Anatolian architecture: Greek in inspiration, Roman in engineering. Its five standing columns give us a powerful fragment of that original ensemble.

The Restoration Project: Piecing Together History

Before modern intervention, the Temple of Apollo was already a captivating ruin: five weathered columns standing proud amidst grass and rock. 19th-century travelers describe it as “a solitary colonnade” by the sea. By the mid-20th century, the site was overgrown and partly buried, with only the columns and base clearly visible. The scattered marble slabs and the fallen frieze lay almost forgotten among wild vegetation.

The first major restoration came in the 1980s. Turkish archaeologists under Prof. Jale İnan undertook a reconstruction of the five surviving columns. They used cranes and reinforcements to lift each column drum back to vertical, resetting them on new concrete bases which aligned them to their original spacing. The capitals (also recovered) were then placed atop these shafts. The five stone Medusa heads — originally in the pediment — were inserted into the horizontal beam above, suggesting the temple’s roofline. Inscriptions found on the site confirm that between 1984 and 1990, the five standing columns and capitals were restored. In practical terms, they filled gaps in the stylobate and re-lined the front edge with new stone so visitors could recognize the outline of the temple podium. This project achieved its goal: a recognizable temple façade again stood at Side’s harbor.

Despite the success, wear and structural issues emerged in the following decades. By the 2010s, conservators noted that iron tie-bars inside the columns’ concrete bases were corroding and cracking the stone. Hürriyet reported in 2017 that “irons placed inside some columns … started coming to surface” due to weather. In response, a minor conservation effort took place: some columns were temporarily lifted and their bases repaired, with rusting metal replaced and new support poured. While successful, this patchwork made clear that a more comprehensive restoration was needed.

In recent years, the project has moved toward full anastylosis (reassembling original fragments). The next phase followed the nearby Temple of Athena’s restoration: once that was mostly complete in 2023, archaeologists turned to Apollo. Press reports note that preparations for Apollo’s restoration have begun. The approach is meticulous: each fallen block and fragment on site is being studied to see where it fits on the temple. Unlike in the 1980s, the new plan is to reuse as much original marble as possible. Where gaps exist (for example, the missing second column on each side), new marble that matches Proconnesus stone will be carved. At the same time, modern conservation standards are applied: new steel anchors or adhesives may be hidden inside so that any reassembled section is stable. All new additions will be subtly marked so historians can tell old from new.

If carried through as planned, the result will be a far more authentic restoration than the 1980s one. We may one day see two or three missing columns partially rebuilt from original pieces, and the entablature largely intact. The Ministry of Culture has emphasized that the temple will be returned to “nearly its original form,” though without a reconstructed roof. This ongoing work ensures that today’s visitors see the Temple not just as scattered ruins but as a coherent architectural masterpiece — echoing its 2nd-century form as closely as possible.

Complete Visitor’s Guide to the Temple of Apollo

Visiting the Temple of Apollo is simple and free. Location: The temple stands at the southwest tip of Side’s Old Town peninsula. Its five columns are visible on any map of Side; look for “Apollo Tapınağı” (Turkish) or “Temple of Apollo.” It is reached by following the main harbor road (Liman Caddesi) to its end. If you exit the Old Town’s main gate and head north along the waterfront, you will pass the theatre and soon arrive at the temple site.

Opening Hours: The site is outdoors and unguarded, so it is open 24/7. There are no fixed opening hours. Visitors can walk up to the columns at any time, day or night. Because it is on public land, there is no gate to unlock or staff to check tickets. This means you can come as early as sunrise or as late as you like — often people linger here after dark to see the temple lit up. (Just note that in summer mosquitos can come out at dusk, and in winter it may be chilly.)

Entry Fee: There is no entrance fee. The Temple of Apollo is a free attraction. An official guide to Side confirms: “You can visit [Apollo’s Temple] at any time of the day. Entrance free”. This is a pleasant rarity in Turkey, where many ancient sites charge admission. It’s worth knowing: unlike the paid museum or theatre, here you need pay nothing except the price of getting to Side.

Access: If you are driving, park anywhere in the Old Town (there are paid lots and street parking near the harbour). From there, it is a short walk to the temple. Note that you cannot drive onto the peninsula itself. In high season the easiest option is to park west of the old town (free/paid spots exist) and walk in, or to use a dolmuş (shared minibus) to the center then walk. Many tour buses also drop visitors off at the harbor, a stone’s throw from the temple.

Distance from Airports and Cities: Side is roughly 66 km east of Antalya Airport (AYT), a 45–60 minute drive on the D400 highway. From Antalya city center it’s about an hour by car or shuttle bus. From the other direction, Alanya lies about 115 km to the east (around a 2.5–3 hour drive). Travelers from Alanya often take a bus to nearby Manavgat and then a dolmuş the rest of the way. Whichever direction you come, once in Side Old Town simply follow signs for “Apollon Tapınak” or ask locals for the temple.

How to Arrive: – From Antalya Airport: Take a shuttle van or bus heading to Side/Manavgat. The airport is well-connected to the coastal road. Some buses stop at Side city (old town). If you self-drive, follow the Antalya-Alanya highway east, exit for Side/Manavgat (there will be signs). Side’s Old Town is well-signposted once you near the coast.

• From Alanya: Drive or bus westwards along the coast (D400). After Manavgat, continue to Side. The road to Side’s old town is clearly marked. By bus, from Alanya take an hourly coach to Manavgat or Side (2–3 hours), then a local bus or dolmuş to the harbor.
• From Manavgat: The Side Old Town is only 5 km south of Manavgat. Dolmuş minibuses run about every 10 minutes along that short route. You can also hire a taxi.

Parking and Shuttle: There is no formal shuttle bus for the Old Town. If you park on the outskirts, plan for a 10-minute stroll along the shore road. Some hotels offer mini-shuttles to the harbor, or you can rent a bicycle or scooter. The main paid lot is near the Atatürk Park (west entrance of Old Town), and from there a pleasant walk or a short dolmuş ride takes you to Apollo Temple. Otherwise, minimal parking near the temple itself (the small beach lot) exists but fills early, especially in summer.

Temple Access and Photography: The temple area is easy to explore on foot. A low fence surrounds the base, protecting it from casual climbing, but it does not hinder viewing. Tourists can approach the columns very closely. Footpaths circle the structure. For photographers: you cannot get inside the cella (there is none standing), but you can photograph through or between the columns from all sides. The best vantage for panoramas is outside the fence directly in front of the columns, where you can frame all five at once. If wanting a less-common angle, try behind the temple (there is a small rocky platform) to shoot eastward into the sun.

Best Time to Visit: Many recommend sunrise or sunset. Early morning (just after dawn) offers solitude and gentle, shadow-draped light. Sunset is especially dramatic: the columns glow gold in the dying light and crowds thin out. This is when most people come for photography. The golden hour (the hour before dusk) is ideal. Midday visits are fine for inspection but the bright sun makes the marble glare and the site more crowded. Notably, the temple is often illuminated after dark by floodlights, turning it into a nighttime spectacle. If you want both, consider staying in Side long enough to see it twice: once in daylight, once at night.

Temple at Night: After dusk, soft lighting highlights the columns from below. Visitors remark that the illuminated columns look almost ethereal at night. There is generally a peaceful atmosphere, with only a few late strollers. If you have a tripod, a long exposure under the starry sky can yield a magical image. Check local safety and weather, but this has become a popular free evening activity in Side.

Nearby Sights: The temple stands at the hub of Side’s archaeological park. Within walking distance you will find the twin Temple of Athena, the Great Theatre, the Roman Agora (marketplace), and the Side Archaeological Museum. Many visitors plan a half-day itinerary covering all these. For example: start at Apollo’s temple, then walk a few minutes to the north gate and Vespasian arch, onward to the museum, then loop back via the theatre (which overlooks the sea). In summer, it’s wise to allow for breaks in cafes. The harbour cafes are plentiful, so one can grab a seat, watch the boats, and still keep the temple in sight.

The Photographer’s Handbook: Capturing Perfect Shots of the Temple

Photographers will find the Temple of Apollo immensely rewarding. Gear: A smartphone yields nice snapshots, but for highest quality bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera. A wide-angle (24–35mm) is good for framing the whole temple. A telephoto (70–200mm) or macro lens will capture details like the capitals and Medusa heads. Don’t forget a tripod for low light shots.

Sunset/Silhouette Shots: The quintessential image is the temple at sunset. Aim to position the sun just behind or beside the columns so they silhouette dramatically. If space allows, include part of the harbor and boats in the foreground for scale. Weigh your composition: small fishing boats drifting or moored can add interest under the columns. One can stand on the north jetty or along the shore directly in front of the temple. Keep your camera low to accentuate reflections on any water. [53] notes the temple “goes to a whole other level of impressiveness at sunset”, and indeed that rosy twilight is magical. Use a narrow aperture (f/8–11) for depth of field, and consider bracketing exposures for HDR blending (sunset skies and dark columns).

Daytime: If shooting in daylight, try to go early or late to avoid harsh shadows. Polarizing filters help deepen the blue sky and reduce glare off the marble. Experiment with side-light (sun at your back) to reveal fluted details. One tip: shoot with the temple on your right or left (depending on sun) so the sun highlights the carvings, while the sky remains blue. Avoid composing it directly against an overexposed sky. If the sky is white, tilt up slightly so more sky and less sea appear in frame.

Night Photography: After dark, the columns are floodlit against the sky. Use a tripod and a long exposure (several seconds) with ISO around 100–200. The temple will glow warmly. For extra effect, set a 10–15 second exposure to capture any stars or passing boat lights. A challenge is balancing light: the columns are bright but the sky is black. Using the camera’s histogram to expose for the lights (then recover shadows) works well. If windy, the harbor lights may streak in long exposures, which can add dynamism. A wide aperture (f/4–5.6) can help gather light if stars or the Milky Way are visible, but check local regulations for astro-photography (none specifically forbid it, but drone star shots would require special permits).

Details: Don’t neglect the details. Get close-ups of the capitals and frieze. For example, zoom in on an acanthus capital (use at least 50mm) and fill the frame with its carved leaves. A small aperture (f/11–16) ensures all tiers of the carving are sharp. The Medusa heads on the frieze make excellent subjects: frame one face against sky (midday is ok here) to show its texture. A portrait lens (85–135mm) will isolate a head nicely. For the architrave lettering, a macro lens or telephoto at maximum zoom will let you read the inscription with ease.

Best Angles: Aside from the obvious frontal view, walk around! The north and south side views show fewer columns (5 vs 4), which can be more artistic. From the eastern tip, looking west, you can align the columns with the silhouetted stone breakwater. The harbor ferry pier (just right of the temple) is also a popular vantage. [53] suggests that the temple can be admired from the boats in the harbor. Indeed, consider a short boat ride or even wading into the shallow water at low tide (watch your equipment!) to shoot the temple reflected in the water.

For unique shots: try shooting through the columns (place your camera behind one column so it frames the temple) or around an adjacent ruin (if safe). A drone shot (with permissions) can also show the temple in its context, perched on the peninsula. Lastly, always keep the sun position in mind: the temple faces east, so for sunrise/sunset glows you want to be on its western side.

In summary: Sunset and blue-hour shots are crowd-pleasers, daytime shots require managing bright light, night shots are all about stability, and detail shots showcase the artistry. With practice and multiple visits (the columns look different at every hour), you’ll capture the Temple of Apollo in all its glory.

Beyond the Temple: Exploring the Ancient City of Side

The Temple of Apollo is one highlight in a compact, treasure-filled ancient town. Plan to spend a day wandering Side’s ruins beyond just this one site.

• Northern Gate and Vespasian Monument: A block north of the temple, near the harbor road, you will see the western entrance to ancient Side. This is a ruined city gate (of Hellenistic or Roman date) flanked by two towers. Embedded in its facade is a Triumphal Arch (the “Vespasian Monument”) with Corinthian columns and a tall niche. This arch once held a statue of Emperor Vespasian. Sculpted Medusa heads and horses flank the niche. In ancient times, this was the Hellenistic Gate through which incoming travelers first passed. The inscription “To M. Ulpius Themistokles for his services” hints at its dedication by a Roman governor. It’s impressive: the archway is about 13m tall. This ancient gate is still on the main road to Antalya and stands right by a café now.
• Great Theatre of Side: Just east of the Vespasian Arch lies Side’s Roman theatre. Dating from the late 2nd century AD, it has a roughly 120-meter-wide semicircle of stone seating. The stage building has been mostly swept away, but you can still climb the cavea. From the top seats you see sweeping views of the bay. The seating area (cavea) had an estimated 13,000–17,000 capacity, according to Frank Sear’s study. This was a major venue for dramas, concerts, and games. If time allows, go up for the dramatic harbour view. The theatre was later converted to an arena for gladiatorial contests; the lower seats show wear from that era. Modern visitors can wander the aisles or even enjoy occasional performances in summer.
• The Agora and Nymphaeum: Between the theatre and the harbour was the state agora (marketplace). Excavations have uncovered colonnades and paved areas here. To the north of the theatre, behind a cafe square, is the remains of the Nymphaeum — a large public fountain. Today you see only curved brick walls and niches. But originally water flowed over multi-tiered steps. Imagine this as a lively plaza: merchants in stalls under marble porticoes, water gushing in the background. Some of the Roman street’s paving stones are still visible. A short walk east from the temple (through narrow lanes) will bring you to the main colonnaded street ruins.
• Side Archaeological Museum: A must-see, especially on a hot or rainy day, is the Side Archaeological Museum. It is housed in a 4th-century Roman bathhouse (the West Bath), just a few hundred meters north of the temple. The museum’s exhibits include many statues and artifacts dug up from around Side. Of special interest are the statues of gods and emperors found in the temple area — for example, small marble statues of Apollo and Athena and a fragment of a dedicatory inscription. The museum also holds the “Three Graces” group and the statue of Heracles mentioned in excavation reports. Even the temple’s Medusa heads that fell away are displayed behind glass. In short, a quick pass through the museum fills in the story of everything you saw outside.
• Colonnaded Street (Cardo Maximus): Close to the temple is a length of the main street running east-west. Stone bases mark where ancient shops and columns stood. If you stroll this lane (it’s now pedestrian), you can almost trace the line of the former porticus. It’s a nice peaceful walk that connects the temple to the other sites. Keep an eye out for built-in spolia — medieval walls in town sometimes reuse temple blocks or statues, let into houses. For example, a Corinthian column capital is embedded in a café wall near the theatre.
• Sample Half-Day Itinerary: A practical route for limited time: start at Apollo’s temple at sunrise (spend 15–20 minutes there), then walk east to the Vespasian Gate (10 min) and arch (5 min). Continue to the museum (another 5–10 min), spend ~30–45 minutes inside. Next, head to the theatre (walk 7 min) and climb the stands (30 min). From there, loop back south along the harbor road past cafe shops, ending at a waterside restaurant for lunch. This loop of ~2 km covers all major ruins. You could also visit in reverse (theatre in morning, Apollo at sunset). Either way, the closeness of these sites means no taxi is needed — Side is best seen on foot.
• What Else: Beyond ruins, Side’s old town is charming in itself. The bazaar area has souvenir shops and a 15th-century Ottoman mosque (built with temple stones). The harbor’s promenades are lively with cafes and fishermen. If you have extra time, you might take a boat tour to nearby sea caves or a half-day drive to Manavgat Falls. But focusing on the Old Town, you can easily fill a day with history, dining, and relaxation. And, at the end, watching the sun lower behind Apollo’s columns is a fitting finale to any visit.

Plan Your Stay: Accommodation and Dining Near the Temple

The area around Apollo’s Temple offers accommodations for every budget. Luxury: On the outskirts of old-town are several 5-star resorts (often all-inclusive) like Barut Arum, Barut Lara, and Titanic Deluxe Side. These are beachfront hotels with pools, spas and shuttle service. Staying there means getting resort comforts, though the temple itself is a 10–15 minute walk (or shuttle ride) away. Tip: Tell the desk you’re interested in visiting the temple; some will let you off at a corner near Liman Street for a short walk.

Boutique/Comfort: Within Side’s Old Town (within 200–500 m of the temple) several 3–4 star hotels occupy historic buildings. Examples include the Sur Boutique Hotel (a converted Ottoman house) and the boutique Yali Hotel. These have only a few dozen rooms, giving a more intimate feel. Many have rooftop terraces or sea-view balconies. For instance, some suites look directly out toward the harbour and temple. A gourmet Turkish breakfast is usually included. These hotels place you in the midst of the harbour cafés and souvenir shops — truly in the heart of it all.

Budget: Even backpackers can stay near the temple. Side has cheap pensions and hostels with dorms or private rooms. Prices can be as low as €25–€40 per night in shoulder season (spring/fall). These places (e.g. Kaktus Hostel, Pension Gumus, etc.) have basic, clean rooms. Some have roof terraces with lounge chairs — imagine sipping tea and spotting the temple in the distance. They lack luxury frills, but they keep you footsteps away from everything, which is often preferable. That said, Side gets busy in July–August, so book early if traveling in summer. Several guesthouses also advertise a complimentary shuttle to the harbour, for extra convenience.

Where to Eat: Dining with a view of Apollo is a highlight. Along the harbor road (Liman Street) many restaurants let you reserve a waterside table. Good choices include Birol Balık for grilled fish, and Apollon Park Restaurant (though name “Apollon” is more romantic than authentic) which puts patrons on a raised deck above the bay. Cafés like Bakir Can and Mermerli Bar offer snacks and raki overlooking the columns. For authentic local atmosphere, try Köfteci Hüseyin (a simple meatball grill) a bit inland; its prices are low and it’s popular with Turkish families.

Some standouts:

• Limani Pera Restaurant: A more upscale option, with an elegant outdoor terrace right next to the temple. It serves Mediterranean fusion (octopus, mezes, etc.) and is open late.
• Contra Cafe: A casual cafe-bar directly on the pier. It’s perfect for a sunset beer or cocktail while gazing at Apollo’s lit columns.
• Cafetaria Kronos: Beloved for breakfast or brunch with a view — and great gözleme (Turkish pancake).
• Yalıçapkını: A fish restaurant on a barge by the water, if you want a novelty setting (note: in spring 2022 it was still being rebuilt after an accident).

In general, Side’s cuisine is Aegean/Mediterranean: olive oil, tomatoes, grilled meats, and fresh fish. Don’t miss sampling lokma or baklava for dessert. At any tavern, you might also enjoy a round of meze (small appetizers) along with a cold Efes beer or a glass of raki as the sun sets. Many restaurants at night pipe soft Turkish music or have live performers — adding to the charm. It’s common to dine late (after 8 pm) when it’s cooler and watch the temple softly illuminate at the end of the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the story of the Temple of Apollo? (Quick Summary) It was built around 150 AD in Roman Side and dedicated to Apollo, the Greek sun-god. In its heyday, it stood at the harbour entrance with 6×11 Corinthian columns. It later fell out of use, was damaged by earthquakes, and much of its stone was reused to build a nearby church. By the Middle Ages only five columns were left standing. Archaeologists restored those in the 1980s, so today you see just the intact core of the ancient temple.

Is the Temple of Apollo Greek or Roman? (Quick Answer) The temple was constructed in the Roman period (Antonine era, 2nd century AD). However, its design is purely classical Greek — it is a Corinthian peripteral temple. So it’s a Roman-age temple in Greek style. In other words, Romans built it, but they were honoring a Greek god with a traditional Greek architectural form.

Why is the Temple of Apollo famous? Its fame comes from its striking ruins and setting. The five columns by the sea create one of Turkey’s most iconic ancient views. It is featured on postcards and travel guides. For many visitors, Apollo’s temple is Side’s signature attraction. Scholars also note its archaeological value as a well-preserved Corinthian temple. In effect, it is famous both for its photogenic character and its historical significance.

Is it free to see the Temple of Apollo in Side? Yes. Entrance is free. The site is open-air and has no ticket booth — anyone can walk up to the temple at any time without charge. This makes it an easy visit on a budget. The local sign even advertises “free admission” (acil inşaat) for the temple.

Is the Temple of Apollo worth visiting? Most travel experts say definitely. Even though only five columns stand, the atmosphere is said to be unforgettable, especially at sunset. Many travelers on review sites call it a “must-see” in Side. A local guidebook concludes “everyone visiting Turkey should set aside some hours for this wonderful place”. So yes — especially if you enjoy history or photography. It is one of the highlights that justifies a trip to Side.

What else is there to do in Side’s old town? Besides Apollo’s and Athena’s temples, don’t miss the other ruins. The Grand Roman Theatre (admission fee around 30 TL) is right next to the harbour. The 4th-century forum and antique market area are nearby. The Side Archaeological Museum (opened 1964 in a Roman bath) has statues and artifacts from all over the site. There are also Ottoman mosques, harbourside bazaars, and beaches flanking the peninsula. In practice, visitors often pair the temple visit with a stroll through the theatre, a museum stop, and a seafood dinner on the quay. The old town itself (with its narrow streets and shops) is part of the experience. All of these are within easy walking distance of the temple, making Side a compact and convenient ancient city to explore.