Side, established in the 7th century BC, fell under Lydia Kingdom's rule in the 6th century BC. It welcomed Alexander the Great in 334 BC, saw varying Hellenistic rulers after his death.

The region was ruled by the Pergamon Kingdom, Roman Empire, and Byzantine Empire. In the early 20th century, Selimiye village was founded by Cretan immigrants on the ancient city's ruins.

Side boasts a wealth of historical structures, including an ancient theater, fountains, aqueducts, hospitals, colonnaded streets, baths, and temples. The Side Museum, housed in the Agora Bath, showcases artifacts from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine eras.

The ancient theater in Side, a trade and port city, is a remarkable structure with a three-story stage building adorned with captivating decorations. It combines Hellenistic design with Roman construction techniques.

Especially noteworthy is the fact that some of the seating rows are placed on an artificially created slope using arches and vaults, making it a unique example in terms of architecture in Anatolia.

If you visit Side, you cannot consider yourself to have seen it without witnessing the Apollo Temple and the nearby Athena Temple, both closely associated with the ancient city.

Located at the end of the city's colonnaded street, right at the entrance to the ancient port, the temples were built in the name of Side's main god and goddess during the period known as the Roman Peace.

When visiting the Temple of Apollo, try to catch the sunset if possible. As the sun disappears behind the temple columns, you will realize that you are encountering the most romantic view of the Mediterranean.