Ancient Theaters

Ancient theaters stand in almost every Greek and Roman city of Anatolia. Builders cut them into hillsides, so their seats often look out over the sea, a river plain or the mountains.

At Aspendos, the stage building still stands to its full height, and the theater still hosts performances. The Great Theater of Ephesus once held a riot against Saint Paul. At Pergamon, the seats drop so steeply that the top rows feel like a cliff.

Some ancient theaters are worth the climb for the view alone. Termessos sits on a mountain ledge high above the plain of Antalya, while the theater of Kaş faces the sea. In Hierapolis, above the white terraces of Pamukkale, the theater looks out over the terraces.

On the coast of Lycia, Patara and Xanthos also have theaters, and Xanthos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Come early in the morning, before the heat builds on the open stone seats.