The Side Museum is also called the Archaeological Museum or the Museum of Ancient Art. It is located on the territory of the ancient city of Side next to the arched gate and the Roman amphitheater. The museum is small, but with a very entertaining historical exposition, because the history of Side dates back to the VII century BC. The collection is located in three halls, which also represent a monument of ancient architecture — Roman baths used to be located here. The age of the building is solid, dating back to the 5th century AD. Now some rooms have received a modern overlap in order to avoid destruction, and some have remained an open-air monument. In guidebooks, the museum is often referred to as the "highlight" of Side, and this is not for nothing. All kinds of artifacts of the ancient era, found during excavations in Side, are collected under its roof. Sarcophagi, statues, bas-reliefs, amphorae, coins, ornaments, columns, elements of urban structures and much more. Archaeologists discovered the main part in 1947-1967, when excavations in Side were conducted under the guidance of archaeologist Arif Mufid Mansel. It is worth noting that not all the finds remained in Side, many artifacts were sent to the Antalya Museum. The exhibits greet the guests of the museum right at the entrance. Stones, fragments of ancient columns, stucco from the time of Roman rule, slabs with ancient inscriptions, statues of people and animals. In the garden in front of the Roman baths, there used to be a sports ground called the palaestra. Now part of the museum's open-air collection is on display, and visitors have a great opportunity to explore it while walking in the fresh air. But the main part of the exposition is inside. The first hall displays the most ancient finds: bas-reliefs from the Hellenistic period, a sundial and an ancient altar from the Roman period. Antique amphorae and medical instruments are displayed in glass cases. In the second hall, various torsos dating back to the Roman period are on display. In the third hall there are statues of three beauties and Hercules, amphorae, tombs and sarcophagi, inscriptions, coins, as well as other finds of the Hellenistic period. It is amazing how finely and filigreed the figures on the sarcophagi are depicted, as well as the faces of the statues are drawn. Even bags under the eyes and old wrinkles, folds of clothing. The skill of the sculptors of that time is fascinating! Interestingly, almost all the statues that are kept in the museum are decapitated. This is the work of local residents who were converted to Christianity by St. Paul. Christians were opposed to idolatry, so with excessive zeal and absolutely inhumane, they decided to deal with their pagan gods in this way. A unique part of the Side Museum's collection are children's sarcophagi with the image of a dog looking out of the door, which represents a grieving mother, as well as images of butterflies and swallows, which symbolize children's innocent souls. Also in the museum you can see a bronze statue of Artemis, with her left hand she holds a bow, and with her right hand she takes an arrow out of a quiver, her hair is gathered at the back of her head. Apollo's head is made of white marble, his forehead is made in the shape of a triangle, and his hair is combed back in wavy strands. Archaeological work is still underway in one part of the museum, it is located to the right of the entrance and is closed to visitors. Inside, you can take pictures and shoot, but without using a flash. There is also an air conditioner, which is especially attractive on a hot summer day. There is a souvenir shop and a cafe on the territory of the museum. There are a lot of signs in English and Turkish, so it is simply impossible to get lost. There are a lot of trees and vegetation, at the end of the part of the museum, which is located in the open air, rests on the picturesque coast. There are benches for recreation throughout the museum. The sign at the entrance is modest and inconspicuous, but do not judge by the cover, believe me, the Side Museum will not leave you indifferent, especially if you are a fan of antiquity.

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Павел Вычигин

Level 16 Local Expert

The museum itself is not bad, but when we were there it was closed.Yes, you wrote that it does not work.However, tickets to the ancient city, the fortress, the theater and the museum together are one ticket.Not separately.And the ticket price has not been reduced, although the museum is not open.

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Maria Burdinskaya

Level 12 Local Expert

There is something to see , read, listen to . A beautiful and interesting place , I was a crow once on a tour and it was interesting.

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