Antalya Kaleici is one of the most popular and touristy settlements of Antalya province. It has been a settlement center from the 4th century BC to today, with its architecture, narrow streets and impressive atmosphere, it has provided its visitors with a historical journey. It contains the architectural features of each of the civilizations it hosted in its historical journey. While visiting the houses, places of worship, walls, gardens, which are the most beautiful examples of Greek, Seljuk and Ottoman architecture, it is possible to come across the traces of history and feel its unique texture.
The first life in Antalya Kaleici started with the Bergamians in the Hellenistic Period. The Romans, Byzantines, Christians, Arabs, Muslims, Seljuks and Ottomans respectively lived in Kaleici. Today, many works and structures from these civilizations have survived, many of them have undergone restoration and have become Kaleici tourism centers.
Antalya Kaleici Important Buildings
Hadrian’s Gate (Three Doors)
It was built in 139 AD in the name of Roman Emperor Hadrian. The building, which is also known as 3 Doors today, got its name from 3 doors. The building, which has a round arched door opening, is completely made of white marble. It has two towers, south and north. The Julia Sancta Tower in the south has come from the Hadrian era, the lower part of the tower in the north from Antiquity and the upper part from the Seljuks to the present day. These towers and structures best describe the blending of civilizations. The columns of the door with three entrances have the appearance of Roman Honor Jewelry.
Broken Minaret
It was built as a church in the Roman Period. The building, which was used as a church until the Ottomans, was converted into a mosque by Sultan Korkut, the son of Beyazit II. Therefore, it is also known as Korkut Mosque. The upper part of the minaret of the mosque was built of wood, but burned as a result of the fire, so it was named Kesik Minaret.
Hidirlik Tower
Although there is not much information about the tower, it resembles the architecture of the Hellenistic Period. The structure, which was initially square, was later changed to round. It is believed that the upper part was restored during the Seljuk and Ottoman Period.
Kaleici Houses
The most characteristic structures of Kaleici are Kaleici Houses. The floor of the 19th century houses is covered with pebble mosaic with black and white geometric shapes and patterns. There are also stairs and sofas in their courtyards.
Grooved Minaret
The Yivli minaret, dating from the Byzantine period, was converted into a mosque in 1230 by Alaaddin Keykubat. It is the first Islamic structure of the Seljuk Period. Brick, stone and turquoise colored tiles were used and built with Horasan mortar. The minaret, which is 38 meters high, can be reached by 90 steps. Since the minaret has 8 grooves, its name is also known as the Grooved Minaret. Within the complex of the fluted minaret, there is Mevlevihane, Gıyaseddin Keyhusrev Madrasa, Selcuklu Madrasa, Nigar Hatun Tomb. Today it is used as Mevlevihane State Fine Arts Gallery.
Marina
The Yacht Harbor, which fascinates and sees everyone in Antalya Kaleici, is one of the important centers of the city. Before Attleis Ancient City was established, the port was used as a pirate port. Today it is used as a tourism and marina. It is operated by Antalya Municipality. It has 100 meters boat mooring area. Yacht Harbor has a magnificent view. The depth of the sea is 7 meters.
Today, there are many restaurants and cafes on the Marina.
Suna – Inan Kıraç Kaleici Museum
Historical works collected from the region are exhibited in the museum. The first part of the museum, which consists of 2 sections, is a Kaleici house and Aya Yorgi Orthodox Church next to the 2nd section.
The Suna-Inan Kırac Kaleici Museum, where the ethnographic products collected from the historical region where the city of Antalya extends, is created by the purchase of Suna and Inan Kırac together with the Aya Yorgi Orthodox Church right next to one of Kaleici’s historical houses. The first part of the museum is located in the two-storey house in the 19th century traditional Turkish architecture, and the second part is in the Aya Yorgi Church next to it. In addition to historical artifacts, mizans such as henna night, groom shaving, where the traditions and customs of the region are introduced, are exhibited. There are Canakkale ceramics at the entrance of the church.
Karaalioglu Park
Covering a huge area of 145,000 square meters, the park is located right next to Kaleici walls. There are viewing terraces, a gym, a stadium and a wedding apartment in the park. It is an excellent experience to live the history, art and culture of Kaleici together with the nature of the park.
Mermerli Beach
It is a pleasure to swim in Kaleici. There is only one beach for this. There used to be a marble mansion on this beach, but it disappeared in time. That’s why the name of the beach is referred to as Marble.
You can click Antalya caves