History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
The Ancient Theater of the Magnesia ad Maeandrum Ancient City, leaning on the slopes of Thorax (Silver) Mountain, and the Odeon structure next to it; It is a monumental performance center built in the Hellenistic period and expanded during the Roman period. The cavea steps, which are located on the mountain slope independently of the Magnesia stadium and the temple of Artemis, reveal the value that the ancient city gave to theater and music arts with the orchestra pit and stage building ruins. According to local narratives, it is rumored that in ancient times, during the festivals of the goddess Artemis Leukophryene, bards from all over Anatolia participated in poetry and tragedy competitions on this stage. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
It is located on the naturally sloping slope of the mountain, at an altitude of approximately 70 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by wild olive trees, thyme-scented maquis and limestone rock blocks. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Included in the Magnesia Archaeological Site ticket; Museum card is valid.•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): Summer term (1 April - 31 October) 08:30 - 19:00; In winter, it is open 7 days a week between 08:30 - 17:30.•Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: Sturdy-soled sneakers must be worn as the theater steps and mountain path are uneven; The steep paths are not suitable for strollers.•Facilities and Facilities:There is a ticket office, information boards, WC and parking lot at the entrance of the ruins. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Tekin Village, Inside Magnesia Ruins, 09700 Germencik / Aydın.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: It is on the Ortaklar - Söke highway, 4 km away from Ortaklar; It can be reached in 5 minutes by a completely double and asphalt road.•Actual Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): Aydın - Söke and Ortaklar minibuses pass in front of the entrance gate of the archaeological site.•Parking Availability:There is a large and free parking area at the entrance of the ruins. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Featured Rare Works & Exhibition Tips: The marble seating rows of the theatre, the wall blocks of the stage building and the magnificent perspective opening to the Menderes Plain from the orchestra floor.•Culture & Coffee Stops around the Museum: After the visit, thyme tea brewed under the plane tree in the Tekin village coffeehouse.•Visiting Time:Spring and autumn months; Ideal for walking the open-air ruins in cool weather.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:Lamb shish kebab, roasted eggplant salad and buttermilk at Ortaklar center, at the exit of the ruins.