Nestled within the city walls of Antalya, the old town is protected by sheer, steep cliff faces that plummet into the Mediterranean Sea below.
Throughout history, fortifications have undergone countless strengthening and reconstructions. From their first construction in antiquity, during the Hellenistic era, to the 20th century, Hadrian’s Gate underwent renovation in 1959. In the twenty-first century, Antalya’s historic district is progressively being renovated. Visitors can truly enjoy the Kaleiçi neighborhood as a whole as a true city center attraction.
One of the greatest areas to stay in Antalya is Kaleiçi
You receive a healthy dose of old town charm, layers of history, and the bustling city life that attracts students from Antalya University, a massive university. Additionally, it’s a fantastic location from which to explore the neighborhood.
King Attalos II’s Statue
The statue of King Attalos II of Pergamon is located directly across the street from the well-known Antalya clock tower. Special recognition is due to King Attalos II, who bestowed the name of modern- day Antalya.
He founded this historic town area, establishing Attaleia, a city and port bearing his name. After then, Antalya was born. He lived a long life, based on the information at the base of the statue. In 138 BC, he died at the age of 82.
Antalya Clock Tower (Saat Kuesi)
The tower was blocked off in the early 2020s while restoration work was done. The history of the clock tower is multilayered, much like that of many other ancient structures in Kaleiçi and the old town region. Part of the Kale Kapısı (the fortress gate that served as the primary entrance to Kaleiçi) was the pentagonal base, which dates back to the Byzantine period in the second century. The clock tower’s repair wasn’t without mystery; the remainder of it has a square layout.
The Antalya clock tower now has a beautiful Ottoman clock face erected in lieu of its original dome. The original clock and its mechanism belonged to Kaiser Wilhelm, the German Emperor. The simple plastic clock faces had been placed in their place after they were “lost”—some reports refer to them as “stolen.” And that is where they stayed until the early 2020s, when new, mismatched stone turrets were added to the top.
Fortunately, the Antalya clock tower may now be proudly counted among the historical sites around Kaleiçi and the surrounding area. It still has its original bell, the clock faces from that era, and its dome after ninety years.
Hadrian’s Gate
Perhaps the most well-known point of entry and departure from Kaleiçi, a well-known monument in and of itself, is Hadrian’s Gate. In Turkish, the three arches are referred to as Üç Kapılar, or the Three Gates.
For those who love history and the old town of Antalya, Hadrian’s Gate, which is a section of the city walls, is undoubtedly the primary draw of Kaleiçi. There are several fine sculptures visible when you get up close to the arches. To honor Emperor Hadrian’s visit to the city in 130 AD, the triumphal arch was constructed during the Roman era. It is believed that statues once stood above the gate.
Exploring Kaleiçi, Antalya
You stroll along these tiny cobblestone streets, believing you have been traveling straight ahead. Then all of a sudden you realize you’ve circled back. Alley ways you remember from the previous day’s wanderings, but you can’t quite place them. The historic town of Antalya has been gradually being restored since the early 2000s. And what a fantastic outcome it is. It’s a true meeting spot with everything from historic landmarks to restored Ottoman-era homes.
Ancient & Modern Kaleiçi
Walking around the streets of Kaleiçi reveals layers upon layers of history, just like any other old town. You will be taken back in time to Antalya’s ancient past among the Ottoman konaks.
Hıdırlık Tower
Once more, in the 2020s, everything will change for Hıdırlık Tower. What was once verdant grass and clipped shrubs framing the vista are now a growing archeological excavation and observation space. Although Hıdırlık Tower’s construction dates to the second century AD, its exact function is still unknown.
The general consensus is that it was an influential person’s grave. Others claim that it served as a lookout or lighthouse due to its location above the yacht harbour. In the twenty-first century, it provides breathtaking, expansive views of the mountains and sea beyond, connecting Karaalioğlu Park to Kaleiçi’s edge.
Additionally, you will have the benefit of being able to observe the development of the archaeological observation area as it moves forward in 2024. A glass terrace will be built above the site to let people to stroll across it, examine the finds up close, and enjoy the sea views from a lower vantage point.
Restaurants, Bars, and Shops in Antalya’s Old Town
These exquisitely renovated Ottoman structures are now private residences. A benefit for those of us visiting Antalya’s Old Town is the bars, restaurants, takeout options, accommodation options, and souvenir stores.
Kaleiçi is an excellent location to experience everything that Antalya has to offer. And no matter the season, the old city is very much alive and well. Numerous live music venues host local bands performing renditions of beloved songs.
The Harbour Area
The one thing you can be certain of if you are idly meandering through Antalya’s old town and don’t really care where you’re going or when you get there is that, if you are on a continuous stretch of downhill, you’re probably headed towards the harbour.
What goes down, after all, has to come back up. Was it really worth it to lumber back up a mountain of stairs or a difficult ascent merely to see the harbour? With the installation of a lift, all of that has now altered. You may stroll around the harbour, which is encircled by the old town’s historic walls and features Ottoman buildings that rise to the top.
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