Aspendos: Visiting the Roman Theatre near Antalya

In short: Aspendos is an ancient city in the Serik district of Antalya province, about 48 km east of Antalya. It is famous for its Roman theatre, built in the 2nd century AD and remarkably well preserved, and for the long arches of its aqueduct. Every September the theatre hosts the International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival.

Last checked: 12 November 2026. Opening hours change with the season and official sources don’t always agree, so check muze.gov.tr before you go. We don’t list ticket prices.

The theatre

• When and who: built in the 2nd century AD. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism names the architect as Zenon.
• Why it survived: in the 13th century the Seljuks used the building as a palace, and this later use helped keep the theatre in such good condition.
• What to look for: the stage building (scaenae frons) behind the stage and the rows of seats.
• UNESCO: “The Theatre and Aqueducts of the Ancient City of Aspendos” has been on UNESCO’s Tentative List since 2015. It is not yet a World Heritage Site.

The rest of the ancient city

Beyond the theatre, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism lists these remains:

• The aqueduct: about 1 km of arches that once carried water to the city.
• The basilica and agora: the old market square and a large public hall beside it.
• The monumental fountain (nymphaeum) and a small odeon.

The Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival

Each September the theatre becomes an open-air stage. The 33rd International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival, organised by the State Opera and Ballet, ran from 12 to 26 September 2026 and opened with Verdi’s Attila. Performances start in the evening.

Visiting

• Opening hours: on 12 November 2026 the official museum website listed 08:00 to 17:00, with no weekly closing day. Hours are longer in summer, so check muze.gov.tr before you go.
• Museum Pass: the site accepts the MuseumPass, including the Museum Pass The Mediterranean.
• Getting there: most visitors come by car, taxi or on a tour from Antalya or Side. By public transport, you will need a dolmuş to Serik and then a local connection or taxi.
• Combine it with Perge: Perge, another ancient city near Antalya, is often visited on the same day.
• Tips: there is little shade, so go early in summer, bring water and a hat, and wear good shoes for the climb above the theatre.

Planning your trip? See our Antalya travel guide, day trips from Antalya and the best time to visit Turkey.

Sources we checked (November 2026): Ministry of Culture and Tourism: Aspendos Ancient City · Ministry of Culture and Tourism: Aspendos · Go Türkiye: Aspendos · UNESCO Tentative List: Theatre and Aqueducts of Aspendos · Turkish Museums: Aspendos · Daily Sabah: Aspendos festival 2026 · DHA: 33rd festival (Turkish)

Aspendos: questions

Header photo: the stage building and seats of the theatre. Photo: Dosseman, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (resized).