Exploring an Ancient City's Luminous Nightscape Enthralls Tourists in Turkey
Spotlight on Side Ancient City: A Cultural Haven Under the Stars
Nestled in the heart of the ancient region of Pamphylia, Side Ancient City, located in the Manavgat district of Antalya, Turkey, has been transformed into a mesmerizing spectacle after sunset. This transformation is thanks to the "Heritage for the Future Project," a significant investment in cultural tourism that has breathed new life into the city.
The project, which includes the illumination of the city, has been met with resounding approval. Night visits to the Side Ancient City, starting as early as 5 or 6 p.m., have led to a lively buzz of activity. Among the city's treasures, the ancient temples of Athena and Apollo, dating back over 2,000 years, are particularly popular. The Apollo Temple, now bathed in a warm glow, has become a hotspot for photography enthusiasts.
The illumination of the city has not only enhanced the visitor experience but also increased its appeal. The Temple of Apollo, with its striking and memorable appearance, extends visiting hours beyond daylight. This ancient structure, now a beacon in the night, acts as a powerful attraction both domestically and internationally, helping Side Ancient City stand out at tourism fairs and in promotional materials, drawing more visitors to the region.
The project also combines ongoing archaeological work, which uncovers historical artifacts each year, with modern presentation techniques like dynamic lighting. This approach reinforces the city’s heritage status while making it more accessible and attractive for visitors.
Though specific visitor statistics for Side Ancient City post-illumination are not available, Antalya overall showed a tourism surge with over 100,000 foreign visitors arriving in one day in July 2025, indicating a growing interest in the region and its attractions, possibly influenced by projects like this.
Additional rehabilitation efforts in Side, such as the design of the city museum linked to regional industrial heritage, complement the heritage conservation and tourism development initiated by the project. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism supports ongoing works under the Heritage for the Future umbrella, indicating a sustained commitment to cultural tourism enhancement.
Visitors like Gökay Demirel have praised the night museum experience as highly beneficial. Nighttime visits to the Side Ancient City have become popular among local and international history enthusiasts, contributing to a boost in the local economy. The concept of the night museum in Side has received positive feedback, marking a significant step forward in diversifying tourism in Side and extending the travel season.
In conclusion, the Heritage for the Future Project has positively impacted Side Ancient City by highlighting its historical significance with modern illumination, enriching the visitor experience, and contributing to Antalya’s robust tourism growth. The project's success underscores the potential for similar initiatives to revitalise historical sites, making them more accessible and appealing to a wider audience.
- The illumination of Side Ancient City's temples, like the one dedicated to Apollo, has made it a hotspot for arts and photography enthusiasts, adding a unique twist to the world of travel and lifestyle.
- With the "Heritage for the Future Project," cultural tourism in Side has not only been enhanced but has also expanded its reach, attracting visitors from all corners of the world.
- The successful implementation of the "Heritage for the Future Project" has sparked conversation about revitalizing historical sites, such as those related to home-and-garden design, using modern techniques to engage a broader audience.
- The growing interest in Side Ancient City and its attractions, reflected in the tourism surge in Antalya, not only benefits the local economy but also promotes cultural exchange and understanding, enriching the world community.
