Side Archaeological Museum – Step into the Footsteps of Ancient Civilizations

Side, Turkey is a coastal town rich in both natural beauty and historical heritage. While its beaches and ancient ruins attract visitors from around the world, one site stands out for its cultural and archaeological value: the Side Archaeological Museum. If you're planning a holiday in Side, visiting this remarkable museum is an absolute must.

A Roman Bath Turned Museum

What makes the museum in Side so unique isn’t just the collection it holds—but the building itself. Originally constructed as a Roman bath complex in the 4th century AD, the structure was transformed into a museum in 1962, thanks to the support of the prominent Devres family. The bath's architectural integrity has been beautifully preserved, creating a stunning backdrop for the artifacts inside.

The original layout included five separate rooms designed for various bathing rituals: hot, warm, and cold water chambers, a sauna, and a large thermae area with a pool and dressing rooms. On the western side, there was even an open-air courtyard used for physical exercises like wrestling and boxing. Today, this courtyard serves as the museum’s lush garden, displaying statues and sarcophagi that echo the grandeur of ancient Side.

A Treasure Trove of Ancient Artifacts

The museum’s impressive collection is primarily the result of excavations conducted between 1947 and 1967 by Professor Arif Müfid Mansel. These findings provide a rich glimpse into the ancient cultures that once thrived in the region, from the Luvians to the Romans and Byzantines.

Notable artifacts include:

  • Ancient Coins: A fascinating display of currency from the Roman, Byzantine, and Greek periods, unearthed from Side, Pamphylia, and Pisidia.

  • Statues and Sarcophagi: Intricately carved sculptures that depict gods, emperors, and mythological figures from Greek, Roman, and Byzantine eras.

  • Inscriptions and Everyday Items: Tools, vessels, and everyday objects offering insight into daily life across centuries.

Explore the Museum Halls

The museum is divided into themed rooms, each with a specific historical focus:

  • Frigidarium: Home to Roman-era sundials, Late Hittite basalt craters, and Hellenistic weaponry.

  • Sudatorium: Features torsos and statues from the Roman period.

  • Caldarium: Highlights include Roman amphorae, inscriptions, statues of Hercules, Nike, and the Three Graces.

  • Tepidarium: Showcases beautifully preserved sculptures of Greek deities and Roman tombs.

Location and Visiting Hours

📍 Address: Liman Caddesi (Harbor Street), just opposite the Roman Theater at the entrance of the ancient city of Side.

🕘 Opening Hours:

  • Summer: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

  • Winter: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    The museum is open year-round.

🎫 Admission Fee: 30 TL (as of 2021 – may vary)

Why You Should Visit

The Side Archaeological Museum isn’t just for history buffs—it’s an experience for anyone curious about the stories etched into the stones of ancient civilizations. Whether you're fascinated by Roman architecture, intrigued by mythological figures, or simply looking for a meaningful stop on your holiday, the museum offers a peaceful and educational escape from the busy beach life.