Perge Ancient City is located in Aksu district, 17 kilometers east of Antalya city center. The city, which is believed to have existed during the Hittite Period and known as "Parha", became one of the most organized cities of Anatolia during the Roman Period. Famous for its architecture and marble sculpture, the sculptures unearthed during excavations in the ancient city have made the Antalya Museum one of the most important sculpture museums.
The city plan of Perge is based on two main streets, one running east-west and the other north-south. The theater with a capacity of 15 thousand spectators is very well preserved. The elaborately decorated two-story stage building opposite the seats was built in the 2nd century AD. The artifacts found here are now on permanent display in the 'Perge Theater Hall' at the Antalya Museum. The perfection of these sculptures beautifully reflects the unique style of Perge sculpture. The stadium, another basic structure of the ancient city of Perge, is one of the best preserved stadiums in Turkey. Built in the 2nd century BC to the north of the theater, the stadium has a capacity of approximately 12 thousand spectators.
Other social and cultural buildings reflecting the city's grandeur in antiquity include the rectangular agora, high towers, monumental fountains, baths and colonnaded streets. Perge is also important for Christianity. St. Paul, one of the most important figures of Christianity, arrived in Perge via the Aksu River during his missionary journeys. Since it is written in the Bible, the city and the river are considered as one of the holy places of Christianity.