Ancient stadium in Antalya returns to its heyday

ANTALYA – DHA

Works have been initiated for the restoration of a Roman-era stadium in the ancient city of Perge in the southern province of Antalya. Along with traditional sports, gladiator performances are planned to be performed in the 12,000-person capacity stadium upon completion. 

Located 17 kilometers from Antalya city center, the ancient stadium is one of the most important parts of Perge, and one of the best preserved stadiums from the ancient era. 

Currently closed to visitors, the stadium was built using natural stones in the region. Placed on 70 arches, the stadium has 11 seat rows and a capacity for 12,000 people. In the ancient era the stadium hosted wild animal and gladiator fights, while the northern part of the stadium was surrounded with protective cases. 

The Antalya Directorate of Surveying and Monuments has initiated works for the ancient stadium. Director Cemil Karabayram said excavations in the ancient city dated back to the 1980s. 

“A project was made in 2002 for the stadium but because of allocation problems it never got underway. Some time ago we awarded the contract for the restoration of this place at a price of 4 million Turkish Liras,” Karabayram said.