Selge Ancient City, Antalya - the ruins of a building with a sky in the background
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Selge Ancient City Antalya

4.4
·1k reviews·, Türkiye

Discover Selge Ancient City, a remarkably preserved Pisidian gem high in the Taurus Mountains, boasting a stunning Roman theatre and aqueducts.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Pleasant temperatures, blooming nature

CrowdLow
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Selge Ancient City, Antalya - the ruins of a building with a sky in the background

Selge Ancient City Antalya

Best Time

Spring mornings

Pleasant temperatures, blooming nature

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Selge Ancient City, a remarkably preserved Pisidian gem high in the Taurus Mountains, boasting a stunning Roman theatre and aqueducts.

4.4
(1k reviews)

"A hidden ancient city with breathtaking mountain views and impressive Roman ruins."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom

Navigating to Selge is easiest with a rental car. Public transport is limited, and tours can be pricey.

💧 Bring Plenty of Water!

The mountain sun is strong and there are few facilities. Stay hydrated!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Ancient Theatre

The Ancient Theatre

Main Acropolis

A remarkably preserved Roman theatre offering panoramic views of the surrounding valley. Imagine performances echoing through history.

The Aqueduct System

The Aqueduct System

Valley entrance

Impressive Roman engineering that supplied water to the city. A testament to ancient ingenuity amidst a stunning natural landscape.

Kral Suyu (King's Water)

Kral Suyu (King's Water)

Near the village

A unique ancient water channel, believed to have been built for royalty. Discover its historical significance and engineering marvel.

Planning Your Visit

Getting to Selge: Plan Your Journey

Selge Ancient City is nestled in the Taurus Mountains, making access a bit of an adventure. While public transport to nearby towns is available, reaching the site itself often requires a car or a guided tour. Factor in travel time and consider the rugged terrain.

What to Pack for Selge

Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the ancient ruins and surrounding nature. Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months, as amenities are scarce. Sun protection like hats and sunscreen is also highly recommended for this exposed mountain site.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Pleasant temperatures, blooming nature
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Golden light, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Aspendos Archaeological Site in Antalya is renowned for its well-preserved Roman theatre and impressive aqueducts, which highlight Roman engineering excellence. This ancient city remains a testament t...
@goturkiye
27.7K likes • 9.1M views

🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom

Navigating to Selge is easiest with a rental car. Public transport is limited, and tours can be pricey. InstagramReddit

💧 Bring Plenty of Water!

The mountain sun is strong and there are few facilities. Stay hydrated! Reddit

🌿 Explore the Hidden Gems of Antalya! 🏛️ Join us on an unforgettable journey to Tazı Canyon, Selge Ancient City, and Adam Kayalar! 🚀✨ 🌲 Tazı Canyon – Witness breathtaking views from the "Valley of W...
power.tur
7 likes • 790 views
🌿 Tazı Canyon - Adam Kayalar - Selge Ancient City Tour 🏞️✨ 📍 Discover the breathtaking Tazı Canyon, witness the mystical formations of Adam Kayalar, and explore the historical ruins of Selge Ancient ...
manageyourholidayofficial
6 likes • 1.2K views

👟 Sturdy Shoes are Key

You'll be walking on uneven, ancient terrain. Comfortable, supportive footwear is essential. Instagram

☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial

Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are a must for this exposed site. Reddit

⬇️ MUST - SEE DESTINATIONS IN ANTALYA⬇️ 📍Kaleiçi 📍Hadrian’s Gate 📍Kaleköy 📍Kaş 📍Düden Waterfall 📍Alanya 📍Red Tower (Alanya) 📍Side 📍Tazi Canyon 📍Selge Ancient City If you found this post helpful be s...
helloitsnihan
0 likes • 5.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom

Navigating to Selge is easiest with a rental car. Public transport is limited, and tours can be pricey. InstagramReddit

💧 Bring Plenty of Water!

The mountain sun is strong and there are few facilities. Stay hydrated! Reddit

👟 Sturdy Shoes are Key

You'll be walking on uneven, ancient terrain. Comfortable, supportive footwear is essential. Instagram

☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial

Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are a must for this exposed site. Reddit

📸 Drone Photography

Capture breathtaking aerial views of the ruins and landscape. Check local regulations first. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Selge Ancient City is praised for its stunning mountain location, well-preserved Roman theatre, and impressive aqueducts, offering a glimpse into ancient Pisidian history. Visitors appreciate the sense of discovery and the dramatic landscapes. However, the remote location and limited facilities require careful planning, with many recommending a car or guided tour.

"Fantastic experience (if Archeology interests you). Excellent value for the money (10 euros). The Amphitheatre is closed for work right now, but the Museum admittance is included in the ticket price.
It's Fantastic that they are actively carrying out so much investigative work ans sympathetic restoration lately, which you are welcome to wander around."

Simon Davenport

"A couple of hours from side visited this site on a day trip from there including adler canyon.
It's near a village walk thru to get into it a number of villagers offer limited guided tours. Some of the ruins are a little precarious to climb but offers fabulous views of countryside around. No charge to enter these ruins."

Steve Dodsworth

"It’s a long and hard drive. We took off from Alanya, and it’s 2.5hrs, including 1hour zigzag mountain road. This site is a proper ruin, sit on the top of a mountain, some really spectacular view along the 1hr drive. At the end, u drive thru a small local village, road is quite narrow. no ticket’s needed, only one local toilet, view is again spectacular!"

Sherry Zhang

What People Like

Spectacular mountain setting
Well-preserved theatre
Impressive aqueducts

What People Dislike

Remote location
Limited facilities
Requires car/tour

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Getting to Selge Ancient City from Antalya typically involves a scenic drive through the Taurus Mountains. Renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility, as public transport options are limited and can be time-consuming. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, many guided tours from Antalya include Selge as part of a package, often combined with Tazı Canyon and Adam Kayalar. InstagramReddit+1

Direct public transport to Selge Ancient City is very limited. While you can reach nearby towns like Manavgat by bus, you would then need to arrange local transport or a taxi to reach the site itself. This can be challenging and time-consuming compared to driving. Reddit

The most common route is via the D600 highway towards Alanya, then taking the turn-off for Manavgat and heading inland towards the Taurus Mountains. Follow signs for the Köprülü Canyon National Park and then for Selge. The roads can be winding and steep in places, so drive cautiously. Instagram

Yes, numerous guided tours operate from Antalya and Side that include Selge Ancient City, often combined with other natural attractions like Tazı Canyon and Adam Kayalar. These tours offer a convenient way to visit without the hassle of driving and navigating. Instagram+1

Selge Ancient City is approximately 60-70 kilometers inland from the coastal town of Side. The drive takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, there is an entrance fee for Selge Ancient City. It's advisable to check the current ticket prices and opening hours before your visit, as these can change. Purchasing tickets upon arrival is usually possible. TikTok

Selge Ancient City is generally open daily during daylight hours. However, it's best to confirm the exact opening and closing times, especially during off-peak seasons or public holidays, to avoid disappointment. TikTok

There is an admission fee to enter Selge Ancient City. The cost is typically modest, but it's always a good idea to have some Turkish Lira on hand for entry and any small purchases. TikTok

Absolutely! You can visit Selge Ancient City independently, especially if you have a rental car. This allows you to explore at your own pace and spend as much time as you like at each point of interest. Instagram

Information on specific discounts for Selge Ancient City is not widely publicized. However, if you are a student or have a museum pass that covers archaeological sites in Turkey, it might be worth inquiring at the ticket office. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The main attractions include the remarkably well-preserved Roman theatre, the ancient aqueduct system, the city walls, temples, and the agora. The surrounding natural landscape of the Taurus Mountains also adds to the site's appeal. TikTokInstagram

To fully explore Selge Ancient City and appreciate its ruins and views, allocate at least 2-3 hours. If you plan to hike in the surrounding area or have a leisurely picnic, you might want to set aside half a day. Instagram

Yes, Selge Ancient City is excellent for walking and light hiking. The terrain within the site is uneven, with ancient stone paths. The surrounding mountains offer more challenging hiking opportunities for those interested. Reddit

Facilities at Selge Ancient City are minimal. You may find basic restrooms, but don't expect cafes or extensive services. It's best to bring your own snacks and drinks. Reddit

The best way to explore is on foot, wearing comfortable shoes. Start by visiting the theatre and aqueducts, then wander through the remnants of the city. Take your time to soak in the history and the stunning mountain vistas. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The Roman theatre offers incredible panoramic shots, especially with the valley backdrop. The aqueducts provide dramatic architectural photos. Don't miss the views from the higher points of the city walls and the unique 'Kral Suyu' channel. Instagram

Drone photography is often permitted at Selge Ancient City, offering spectacular aerial views. However, it's crucial to check current regulations and obtain any necessary permissions before flying your drone to avoid issues. Instagram

The golden hours – early morning and late afternoon – provide the most beautiful light for photography. The soft light enhances the textures of the ancient stones and creates dramatic shadows. Instagram

For professional photoshoots, it's advisable to contact the local authorities or the site management in advance to inquire about permits and any associated fees. This ensures you comply with regulations. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive theatre and landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on distant ruins. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions during golden hours. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Selge Ancient City can be an engaging experience for families, offering a chance to explore history in an open-air setting. The vastness of the site and the ancient theatre can spark children's imaginations. However, the uneven terrain requires close supervision, and the lack of amenities means packing snacks and drinks is essential. Consider a guided tour that can make the history more accessible and entertaining for younger visitors. Instagram+1

To make the visit more enjoyable for kids, focus on the most visually impressive parts like the theatre and the aqueducts. Turn it into a treasure hunt for ancient artifacts (imaginary, of course!) or tell stories about the people who lived there. Ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes and has plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Reddit

🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts

For those who love a good road trip, the journey to Selge Ancient City is a highlight in itself. The drive through the Taurus Mountains offers spectacular scenery, winding roads, and a sense of adventure. Renting a car provides the freedom to stop at viewpoints, explore small villages, and truly immerse yourself in the landscape. Instagram+1

Combine Selge with other nearby natural wonders like Tazı Canyon and Adam Kayalar for a multi-day road trip. Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the ancient ruins or at a scenic mountain spot. This route is perfect for travelers looking to escape the typical tourist trails and discover the authentic beauty of Antalya's interior. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Selge

Selge was an important ancient city in Pisidia, located high in the Taurus Mountains. Founded by the legendary Greek hero Calchas, it flourished under Roman rule, becoming a significant center for trade and culture. Its strategic mountain location provided natural defenses, contributing to its longevity. The city was known for its skilled warriors and its unique water management systems. TikTokInstagram

The most prominent surviving structures, like the Roman theatre and aqueducts, date back to the Roman period (2nd and 3rd centuries AD). These impressive feats of engineering highlight the city's prosperity and the advanced capabilities of Roman architects. Despite its historical significance, Selge was eventually abandoned, leaving behind a fascinating archaeological site for modern explorers. Instagram+1

Today, Selge Ancient City is a testament to the resilience of ancient civilizations and the enduring beauty of its mountain setting. Exploring its ruins offers a glimpse into a rich past, far from the bustling coastal resorts, providing a more authentic historical experience. Instagram+1

Exploring the Natural Surroundings

Selge Ancient City is not just about ruins; it's also a gateway to the stunning natural beauty of the Taurus Mountains. The site is situated amidst rugged landscapes, offering breathtaking views of valleys and peaks. This area is ideal for those who appreciate both history and nature. Instagram+1

Nearby attractions like Tazı Canyon offer dramatic gorges and hiking opportunities, while Adam Kayalar presents unique rock formations. The drive to Selge itself is an experience, winding through pine forests and offering glimpses of rural Turkish life. The combination of ancient history and wild landscapes makes this region a unique destination. Instagram+2

For adventurous travelers, the surrounding mountains provide excellent opportunities for hiking and exploring. The air is fresh, and the scenery is spectacular, making it a perfect escape for nature lovers seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience. Remember to pack appropriate gear and plenty of water if you plan to venture further into the natural surroundings. Reddit

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