Sidyma was a Lycian city, about 25 km as the crow flies from Fethiye and about 13 km as the crow flies from Xanthos.
Little is known about the early history of the city. As coins show, it apparently belonged to the Attic Sea Alliance in the 5th century B.C. and was a member of the Lycian Confederation from the 2nd century B.C. onwards. In Byzantine times Sidyma became a bishop's residence.

The archaeological remains visible today date largely from the Roman imperial period. In addition to the remains of the Acropolis and the heavily buried and dragged theatre, numerous sarcophagi, high graves and several temples have survived. Of many public buildings only inconspicuous foundations have survived the time. The village of Doduga, now located in the former urban area, was largely built using ancient building materials. The village mosque and Koran school were built on the ruins of the Roman thermal baths using the ancient building substance.

A number of sources report on a traditional story: The later emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire, Marcian Augustus ( 450-457 AD) fell seriously ill after a campaign and had to be left behind on his march through Lycia in Sidyma. Two brothers took him in and cared for him until his full recovery. When Marcian became emperor, he remembered Sidyma and the two brothers and gave them high offices within the Lycian Covenant.

Tomb house in the eastern necropolis

The remains of the great Roman Bath

Coming from Antalya/Kalkan on the national road D400, a brown signposted road leads off to Sidyma immediately after a long bend on the left at the village of Gölbent. The further way is signposted, but attention is required at junctions, as not all signs are clearly visible. Follow the signs to Doduga. This is the village on the former urban area of Sidyma. At the mosque you can park your car and start your visit.

Coming from Fethiye take the national road D400, direction Antalya. About one kilometre before the village Eşen a brown signposted road to Sidyma branches off to the right. The further way is signposted, but attention is required at junctions, as not all signs are clearly visible. Follow the signs to Dodurga. This is the village on the former urban area of Sidyma. At the mosque you can park your car and start your visit.