Kaleiçi, the historic city centre of
Antalya has structures dating from many eras;
Roman ,
Byzantine ,
Seljuk ,
Ottoman and modern Republic of
Turkey . Kaleici (“Inside the Kale or Inner Kale - Kale itself means castle or fortress) is located in the eastern centre part of the city along the coast although originally the entire city was within its walls. The harbour dates back to
Roman times and has undergone full restoration to the quay and harbour walls.
Antalya Ulu Mosque (Grand Mosque), also called Yivli Minare Mosque (Fluted Minaret Mosque), was built in the 13th century by a
Seljuk Sultan and is today a symbol of the city. The adjacent mosque, still in use today, has an open air café with great views over the bay.
Hadrian's Gate
The Hadrian's Gate, (Üçkapılar in Turkish meaning The Three Gates ) built to honour the
Roman emperor Hadrian, who visited
Antalya in the year 130 and it’s also said the Queen of Sheba passed through the gates on her way to visit King Solomon.
Mediterranean Civilisations Research Institute
In the old town there are many renovated
Ottoman houses that have become pansiyons, shops, restaurants and bars and well sign-posted is the
mediterranean Civilisations Research Institute. This comprises of two restored
Ottoman homes and exhibits part of the private collection belonging to Turkey’s richest Koç family, who sponsor the institute and houses a fabulous library of books on archaeology and antiquities.
Archaeological Museum
Also not to be missed is the Archaeological Museum with one of the top five collections in Turkey.
Beaches close to Kaleici
Daily Boat Tours
From the harbour there are a variety of boats trips on offer, full and half day, which all take in the Duden Waterfalls and local beaches.
Konyaalti Beach, situated between Antalya’s cliffs and Beydağları Mountains, is shingle, clean and well maintained with free entry. It has a nice promenade with cafés backing onto the beach and can be reached using the tram.
Lara Beach 10km southeast of town using the dolmus, has fine sand and a small fee is charged for entry here.
Kursunlu Waterfalls
The high cascading water of Kursunlu waterfalls, 18km northeast of Antalya, are accessible by bus or dolmus.
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