- The Byzantine Episcopal Influence on the History of Side, Pamphylia
- Exploring Side, Pamphylia Hidden Byzantine Monuments
- The Lost Metropolis Episcopal Palace in Side, Pamphylia
- Discovering the Repurposed Chapel in Side Open Air Museum
- The Hidden Mosaics among the Side Market Shops – Part one
- The Hidden Mosaics among the Side Market Shops – Part Two
- The Hidden Mosaics among the Side Shops – Part 3
- Hidden Things From Side’s Fountain to Grand Theater
- Hidden Crosses in the Side Archeology Museum
- Side’s Fascinating Basilica near Apollo Temple
- Analyzing the 12 churches and chapels of Side, Pamphylia
- Analyzing the Synagogue in Side, Pamphylia
In my research of the Side Ancient City and the maps of Archeology ruins, I have discovered at least 12 churches and chapels of Side. Many have remains today to show what existed before, but a few have limited ruins to show today. In most of the write-ups, three Basilicas dominate the discussions.
Let’s start with a few definitions. A chapel is a repurposed location that the Byzantines added to make worship accessible. A Basilica church includes a southeastern apse, nave, aisle, and, at times, a western atrium. This chart lists the 12 sites from oldest to newest in the two distinct areas of Side Ancient City. My Google map of these sites. Mansel Map of Side below. This blog summarizes the sites that link to greater detail and videos on most of these locations. Here is my list of churches and chapels of Side.
1 – Fountain Mosaic Chapel
Near the road, an apse-like structure blends into the fountain structure (Nympheum Fountains). The mosaics have cross designs and elements, as if the location would be used for a chapel. Historians are reluctant to give a purpose for an area based on mosaics since the designs of crosses are even displayed in public spaces. However, Solomon’s Knot, double-crosses, and red-laced crosses hint at a religious meaning. Also, the absence of secular images and animals encourages a more religious purpose for this area.
Write-up here – Video about this area.
2. Chapel on Fountain/Theater Road
In the older archeology maps of the 19th century, a “sacred Byzantine building” is listed. Near this location are crosses. If interested in this, please see my write-up and video.
3. Chapels at the Amphitheater
As of 2025, the theater has remained closed, so a closer observation of these former chapels on the lower ends of the theater seating remains unavailable. However, the Side Archeology Museum gives some credence to these chapels. Video “Two small chapels decorated with paintings, located at both ends of the audience, as well as inscriptions on the seats, indicating the places reserved for priests, are the evidence of this modification.”[1]https://turkisharchaeonews.net/object/roman-theatre-side
4 – Middle Basilica within the Side Open Air Museum
At the entrance to the Open Air Museum, the colonnade street ends with some ruined pillars, but the path straightens into the Middle Basilica, a later structure (8th century). Details – Video
5 – Cathedral East Basilica
Despite this Basilica being listed on the maps, I will conduct more research on the ruins on my next trip to Side. Details
6 – Episcopal Residency Chapel
A massive structure that includes a residency, chapels, and martyrium. It is worth visiting in the Open Air Museum. Details – Video
7- Byzantine Hospital Chapel
The exterior shows crosses and the historical accounts include frescoes within some section of the hospital. The site is a hospital that most likely included some chapel. Currently under reconstruction, and hopefully, more information will come on the religious access within this building. Insights
8- Repurposed Chapel near Hospital
The cross-entry stones that remain in this location give evidence of a repurposed worship space close to the hospital’s residency area. Details – Videos
9- West Basilica on the Peninsula
This one is displayed on multiple maps, but where the ruins remain is a bit of a mystery. The area is used for parking and is often closed off. Most likely, the large building is the remains of the Basilica, right of the taxi circle.
10 – Akdeniz Angel Chapel
One of the most intriguing finds in recent years is the angel mosaics near the Akdeniz Pharmacy. Here is my Mosaic Walking Tour Map. Details – Video
11- Boulevard Basilica
A basilica building displayed an apse directly in front of the Theater on the Boulevard. I still hope to find pictures of what remains of this.
12 – South Basilica near Athena and Apollo Temples
The most known and accessible Basilica church that rests facing east. The atrium of this 5th—and 8th-century church used the ruined temple space for entry. Just north is a Byzantine residency area. Details – Video
References
| ↑1 | https://turkisharchaeonews.net/object/roman-theatre-side |
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