Left : A climb to the top of the theater of Aspendos offers commanding views — and the opportunity to appreciate the impressive acoustics .
If I had to choose a favorite ancient site , however , the theater at Aspendos would probably take the honor . It may not be the largest Roman theater remaining in the world , but it is widely held to be the best preserved , as the city of Aspendos was continuously inhabited for a relatively long span of time ; the Seljuks renovated the theater in the 13th century A . D .
The acoustics here are literally the stuff of legend — in one famous story , the builder of the theater wins a girl ’ s hand in marriage because her father , standing at the theater ’ s highest point , could hear the builder ’ s whispered plea clear from the stage . Even today , the acoustics continue to impress , and the theater still hosts the annual International Ballet and Opera Festival every June and July . I climbed to the top myself , and could clearly hear my fellow travelers ’ voices far below .
Thinking back to our rainy arrival , I could hardly believe how sad I was to bid Antalya farewell . Yes , the Turquoise Coast exceeded my high expectations , just as Cappadocia had before it . But as I share stories about my trip ,
I find myself talking about how greatly I had misjudged Antalya — which , perhaps unsurprisingly , not many of my friends have visited , even if they have been to Turkey themselves .
On one of my jaunts into the Old Town , I purchased a zultanite ring — finally caving after seeing them dazzlingly displayed at every museum shop and jewelry store . Depending on the light , the stone changes color — from almost grey … to dusty rose … even to vivid green . Sometimes , months later , it still manages to surprise me when it catches my eye . I cannot think of a more fitting souvenir from the city that surprised me at every turn .
Columns line the main colonnade of the ancient city of Perge .
Left : A sunrise over Antalya ’ s Old Town .
Discover Antalya ’ s hidden treasures during our Turkey ’ s Magical Hideaways adventure .
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DISPATCHES • JUNE 2023 29