Dazzling Ancient Theatres in Antalya

Ancient theatres are found almost every 25 kilometers throughout the region. Aspendos has been standing since the 5th century BC and has a dazzling history of 2500 years. The ancient theatre, with its superior acoustic quality, is host to a festival that has been held every year since 1994 and today has become a world-renowned event. The Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival is a visual feast that brings together artists and spectators from all over the world. Recognised among the world’s most foremost cultural festivals, this prestigious event features 10 spectacular shows which are spread from June until the middle of September.

The Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival

The founder of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, greatly admired by the Turkish people, came to the Aspendos theatre on his first visit to Antalya in 1930. Impressed by what he saw he gave the advice not to lock the gates of the theatre but to use it for shows, concerts and wrestling competitions.

The Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival

The citizens of Antalya heeded the advice of Atatürk and beginning in 1950, theatre productions and concerts were held in the Aspendos Ancient Theatre every spring. The people of Antalya brought delicious food prepared at home hours before the start of the events turning the place almost into a picnic area. Thus the first foundations of the country’s most prestigious film festival, the Golden Orange was laid—a festival which has continued nearly half a century.