Overview:

Antalya Old Town (Kaleici) is an historic area in the city centre of Antalya, Turkey. It is surrounded by ancient city walls and home to a range of historic monuments, buildings and attractions. The area has been used for settlements since the 2nd century BC and its history includes a significant Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. Today, the Old Town is a popular tourist destination, where visitors can experience the culture and history of the region and enjoy the wealth of bars, restaurants and shopping opportunities. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Turkey
Prominent Features:

1. The Love Tower (Sevgi Kulesi): A slender 15th century minaret located on the highest hill in the Kaleici, the symbol of the Old Town. 2. Hadrian’s Gate (Hadrian Kapısı): Built by the Romans in the 2nd century to commemorate the visit of the Roman emperor to Antalya. 3. Yivli Minaret (Yivli Minare): A 13th century Seljuk minaret topped with a balcony and lantern located in the city center. 4. Clock Tower (Saat Kulesi): Another symbol of the Old Town built in the 19th century and originally served as a fire tower. 5. Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Mosque (Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Camii): A 16th century Ottoman mosque located in an open square in the Old Town. 6. Kalekapısı Mosque (Kalekapısı Camii): The oldest mosque in Antalya was built in the 13th century during the Seljuk era. 7. Murat Pasa Bedesteni (Murat Pasa Bedesteni): A market building built in the 15th century as part of the Ottoman city walls. 8. Archaeological Museum (Arkeoloji Müzesi): The museum offers an insight into 3,000 years of Antalya’s history and houses a collection of artifacts from the Hittite, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Turkey.

History:

Located in southwest Turkey, Antalya is a bustling coastal city that has become a popular tourist destination due to its Mediterranean climate and ancient history. One of the city’s most notable attractions is its old town, or Kaleici, which dates back to the Roman era and is home to numerous historical sites. It is believed that the area surrounding Kaleici was first settled by the Attalid Dynasty who ruled the region from 188 BC until 133 BC. During this time, the city was fortified with walls and other defensive structures by the rulers to protect it from invading forces. The city was then further expanded by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in 130 AD, who added to the previous defensive walls and then built a new port and harbour that connected the city to the Mediterranean Sea. Following the fall of the Roman Empire, the city was captured by the Byzantines in the 6th century and further fortified. Over the following centuries, the city would be occupied by the Seljuk Turks (1085–1206), the Ottoman Turks (1207–1914), and the French until it was eventually ceded to the Republic of Turkey in 1923. Today, Kaleici is one of the most prominent landmarks in Antalya. Its cobbled streets, ancient buildings, and historical sites provide an interesting insight into the city’s past. Major sights include Hadrian’s Gate, which was built in 130 AD by the Roman Emperor, and the Yivli Minare Mosque, which was erected in the 13th century. Kaleici is the true heart of Antalya and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. It is also home to numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops, providing visitors with a great place to explore and enjoy. Visit one of the famous monuments of Turkey with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

• Antalya Old Town, also known as Kaleiçi, was built in the second century BC by King Attalus of Pergamum. • The first inhabitants of Kaleici were the Ancient Greeks, who built homes and shrines within its walls. • Today, Kaleici is a popular tourist destination with its restored Ottoman style homes, narrow cobbled streets, picturesque harbour, archaeological sites, and ancient ruins. • In 2018, Kaleici was voted the best historical site in Turkey by the Turkish Airports and Tourism Association. • One of the most significant landmarks in Old Town is the Hadrian Gate which was built in 130 AD by the Roman Emperor Hadrian to celebrate his visit to the region. • The clock tower located in Kaleici was built in 1900 in honour of Sultan Abdulhamid II. • Atatürk Museum is located in Old Town and features artefacts and memorabilia related to the life and times of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey. • Another popular attraction in Kaleici is the Great Mosque of Antalya, constructed in 1206. It is one of the oldest mosques in Turkey. • In 2007, Old Town was declared a “protected area” by the Turkish Cultural Heritage Preservation Council, in order to protect its archaeological and historic sites. One of the historical monuments of Turkey, it tells the story of a bygone era