Seleukeia is one of the least-visited ancient cities near Side, located among pine forests in the mountains above Manavgat. Visitors come here for abandoned ruins, ancient stone streets and quiet walks away from crowds, souvenir shops and large tourist areas.
Seleukeia, also known as Lyrbe Antik Kenti or Seleukeia Lyrbe, is located approximately 16 km from Side in the mountainous area above Manavgat. The ancient city stands near the village of Bucakseyhler among pine forests on top of a hill.
Unlike popular ancient sites such as Side or Aspendos, Seleukeia remains relatively unknown among international tourists. There are no large tour buses, souvenir shops or developed tourist areas here.
For travelers planning to visit several ancient sites in the region, the guide to Side attractions may also be useful.
If you use Google Maps or navigation apps, it is best to search for:
You can reach Seleukeia from Side in approximately 30 minutes by car via Huseyin Efendi Street toward the village of Bucakseyhler. Almost the entire route follows an asphalt road.
The final short section through the forest has some uneven patches and old repairs on the surface, but a regular passenger car is sufficient. An SUV is not necessary for the trip.
After Bucakseyhler village, follow the brown “Seleukeia” or “Lyrbe” signs leading to the ruins.
There is a free open parking area directly near the entrance to the ancient city.
Visitors without a rental car often reach Seleukeia during Side area sightseeing tours or Taurus Mountains safari routes.
Yes, the ancient city is open to visitors, however entrance to Seleukeia is completely free.
There are no ticket offices, guards or official tourist facilities on the site, which helps preserve the atmosphere of an abandoned ancient city hidden inside the forest.
The exact foundation date of Seleukeia is unknown, but historians associate the city with the Hellenistic period and the Seleucid Kingdom. Later, the city came under Roman and Byzantine influence.
Because of its hilltop location, Seleukeia likely served defensive and strategic purposes while controlling mountain routes in the ancient Pamphylia region.
The main feature of Seleukeia is that not only isolated fragments of ruins remain here, but entire streets and buildings that visitors can walk through. The forest is gradually reclaiming the ancient city, creating the atmosphere of an abandoned stone labyrinth.
The main part of the ancient city is the agora — a rectangular marketplace surrounded by massive walls, some of which remain almost at full height.
Doorways of ancient shops and workshops are still visible, together with covered passages where residents sheltered from the sun nearly two thousand years ago.
Near the agora stands a small bouleuterion — an ancient council hall with semicircular stone seating. It is one of the best-preserved structures in Seleukeia.
Massive towers and sections of defensive walls still survive near the entrance to the city. Some wall sections remain impressively high and create the feeling of a real fortified ancient settlement.
Above the agora are the remains of ancient temples believed to have been dedicated to Apollo or Fortuna. Most columns are destroyed, but fragments still lie directly along the forest paths.
In the southern part of the ancient city, ruins of a small Byzantine church survive, distinguishable from the ancient structures by a different masonry style.
Visitors can also notice remains of water reservoirs and fragments of ancient aqueducts that once supplied the hilltop city with water.
Unlike Side or Aspendos, Seleukeia has very little tourist infrastructure and remains less visited by organized tour groups. There are no ticket offices, restored theaters or large crowds.
The main attraction of Seleukeia is the ability to walk freely among ruins surrounded by forest without barriers or heavily developed tourist facilities.
Seleukeia is especially suitable for travelers who enjoy lesser-known ancient places without crowds or modern tourist infrastructure. The atmosphere here is very different from popular archaeological zones with barriers, audio guides and organized tourist routes.
If you like Termessos or Phaselis, there is a high chance you will also enjoy Seleukeia. This place is better suited for visitors interested in untouched ruins, abandoned ancient sites and forest walks.
Travelers expecting perfectly restored monuments with museum facilities, cafes and detailed information boards may find Seleukeia too undeveloped.
Seleukeia is also considered one of the most atmospheric historical attractions near Side for travelers looking to see less touristy ancient ruins.
Yes, the ancient city can be visited with children, although walking with a stroller is very inconvenient. The area contains many rocks, tree roots and uneven sections.
A full hiking route is not required because cars can reach almost all the way to the agora. However, visitors still need to walk across uneven terrain inside the ruins.
For families with small children, a baby carrier is more practical than a stroller.
No. There are no cafes, shops or proper toilets inside the ancient city.
All infrastructure is located lower down near Bucakseyhler village, so visitors should bring water and necessary items in advance.
The best time to visit is during the morning hours before 11:00 or shortly before sunset.
Thanks to the pine forest, temperatures here are noticeably cooler than along the Side coastline, and during golden hour sunlight passes through the columns and trees, creating especially atmospheric scenery.
After sunset, the forest becomes dark very quickly, so most visitors prefer leaving before dusk.
Travelers interested in nature and mountain routes may also enjoy other nature excursions from Side through the Taurus Mountains and forest areas around Manavgat.
Usually not. Seleukeia is considered one of the quietest ancient sites near Side.
Even during summer, there are significantly fewer visitors here compared to Side, Aspendos or other popular archaeological sites in the region.
For this reason, the site is especially popular among photographers, independent travelers, history enthusiasts and visitors searching for quieter locations away from large crowds.
Seleukeia is often included in Taurus Mountains jeep safari programs and cabrio bus tours from Side.
This is one of the most popular ways to visit the ancient city without renting a car independently.
Many visitors combine Seleukeia with nature routes, mountain villages and panoramic stops around the Manavgat region.
The drive from Side takes approximately 30 minutes by car.
No. The ancient city is accessible with a regular passenger car.
No. Visiting the ruins is completely free.
No. There is no tourist infrastructure inside the ruins.
Yes. It is one of the best places near Side for independent travelers and visitors renting a car.
Excursions near Side include boat tours, Green Canyon and rafting within 30–90 minutes tra
Choosing excursions in Side depends on your available time, travel distance and preferred
Main attractions in Side with travel tips and nearby tours. Plan what to see and book excu
Cappadocia from Side is about 474 km away and is known for its rock formations, undergroun
Side beaches include sandy areas with different sea entry, crowd levels and facilities. Th
Discovery Park in Side is a family-oriented theme park with dinosaurs, animals, and short
Fishing in Side Turkey is possible offshore, on the Manavgat River, and from the shore. Ea
September is one of the best months for tours in Side. The sea stays warm, the heat is low
Green Canyon is located about 27 km from Side and is known as one of the most relaxed natu
Aspendos Ancient City is one of the most visited historical attractions near Side in Türki
Engilish
Русский
العربية
Polski
Deutsch
Norsk
Français
Türkçe