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In the early 2000s, Antalya was Türkiye's fastest-growing city, with countless high-rise apartment buildings rapidly springing up in the suburbs. However, the city center of Antalya presented a different story, preserving historically significant buildings that were part of the nation's heritage.
A panoramic view of the city of Antalya from above.
Türkiye's summer tourism capital, Antalya, takes its visitors on a journey back in time to the ancient town of Kaleiçi, home to Hadrian's Gate, Minaret Yivli, Minaret Kesik, ramparts, Sufi lodges, old houses, and narrow streets. Dating back to antiquity, Antalya now attracts over 10 million tourists annually, boasting a wealth of archaeological and natural beauty.
Old town of Kalei
The most famous area in Antalya is Kaleiçi, which takes its visitors on a historical journey thanks to its narrow cobblestone streets and houses bearing traces of Greek, Seljuk, and Ottoman architecture.
Kaleiçi, with its 127 fortifications, fortresses, mosques, small churches and wells, 356 civil houses, 93 gardens and 25 natural properties in need of protection, has become the shining star of Antalya in recent years. As an archaeological site since 1973, Kaleiçi also attracts visitors with its small shops selling antiques, exquisite handcrafted carpets, as well as its marina and long-established restaurants serving both local and international cuisine.
Runner-up Bui Phuong Nga checks in at a stunning carpet shop in the Old Quarter.
This area also features Hadrian's Gate, often known as Üçkapılar (Three Gates). The magnificent Hadrian's Gate was erected for the Roman emperor's visit to Antalya in 130 AD. It is a triumphal arch that has survived intact from the Roman dynasty nearly 2,000 years ago. The structure comprises three arches, with columns built entirely of white marble. Surrounding the elaborate gate are tall towers, adding to the charm of this historical landmark in Antalya.
Roman harbor
The Roman port at the foot of Kaleiçi slope was the lifeline of Antalya from the 2nd century BC until the end of the 20th century, when a new port was built about 12km west of Konyaaltı Plajı. The port was restored in the 1980s and is now a marina.
The harbor is surrounded by tea gardens, bars, restaurants, and cafes. On the southern edge of Cumhuriyet Meydanı, there are many tea gardens with stunning views of the harbor. You can enjoy seafood and drinks under the trees while watching the boats sailing back and forth in the harbor.
Antalya Museum
Located about 2km west of the Kaleiçi district, the Antalya Museum is a must-see for any visitor to Antalya. It features exhibits showcasing everything from the Stone Age and Bronze Age to Byzantium. The exhibition displays artifacts unearthed in the ancient cities of Lycia (such as Patara and Xanthos) and Phrygia, while the main hall houses exquisite statues of 15 Olympian gods, many in near-perfect condition. Most of these statues were found in Perge.
Yivli Minare
Actor Binh An poses with the Yivli Minare Tower as a background.
This distinctive tower, erected by Seljuk Sultan Aladdin Keykubad I in the early 13th century, is a symbol of Antalya. The adjacent mosque (1373) to the tower is still in use today.
Within the Yivli Minare complex is the 13th-century Imaret Medresesi craft center, restored from a seminary. Additionally, the expansive square to the west, featuring the equestrian statue of Atatürk, is another popular tourist attraction.
Termessos ancient citadel
The castle is located on Gulluk Mountain, now within the Gulluk National Park, and is built entirely of stone at an altitude of over 1,000 meters above sea level. To reach it, one must travel to the national park by their own means of transport; there are no local buses or services that go there.
History doesn't record the exact date of this citadel's existence, nor does it know how its inhabitants began to live here and then disappeared. Today, only ruins remain, the most intact part being the city-state's theater. Based on the theater's size, it's estimated that the former city-state had around 60,000 citizens. Alexander the Great once called it "The Eagle's Nest" and constantly harbored ambitions to conquer it.
Legend has it that during its heyday, Termessos was known as an "impregnable" city thanks to its strategic location atop a mountain. It is believed the city was abandoned around 200 BC due to a devastating earthquake that cut off the water supply. Because of its turbulent history and rich cultural heritage, Termessos is considered one of Türkiye's best-preserved cities.
