Marvel at the scale of this ancient monumental fountain that once welcomed travelers at the gates of Side with cascading water.

The Monumental Fountain of Side

The Nymphaeum is a majestic Roman fountain located right at the main entrance of the ancient city walls. Built in the 2nd century AD, it was once a three-story marble monument where water flowed from niches and statues into a massive basin. It was designed to show the wealth and power of Side to anyone arriving by road. Even today, the remaining two stories of monumental arches and intricate stone carvings provide a grand and dramatic entrance to the city. It stands as a testament to the sophisticated water engineering of the Roman era in Pamphylia.

What Makes It Special

• Grand Entrance: It serves as the monumental first impression of ancient Side for any visitor arriving by car.
• Architectural Scale: One of the largest and most ornate ancient fountains discovered in Turkey.
• Historic Engineering: A silent witness to how the Romans brought mountain water across miles to the city.

Visitor Tips

The site is free to view as it is located on the main road entering the Side Old Town. We recommend stopping for a 10-minute photo session; the best light for the marble carvings is in the late afternoon. It's a great spot to see the scale of the city walls as well.