Antalya Kaleiçi: The Old Town Behind the Walls

Kaleiçi ("inside the castle") is Antalya's historic old town, a walled quarter on cliffs above the Mediterranean. The city was founded as Attaleia in the 2nd century BC and has been under Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman rule.

🚪 HADRIAN'S GATE Built in 130 AD to commemorate Emperor Hadrian's visit to Attaleia. Three marble arches, each 8 metres tall, flanked by towers. It is the only surviving gate in Antalya's ancient walls. During the Byzantine period, the gate was sealed for defence and was not rediscovered until later centuries.

📍 MAIN SITES Hadrian's Gate — 2nd-century triple-arched marble gateway Yivli Minare (Fluted Minaret) — Seljuk-era, built 1230s Old Harbour & Marina — former Roman and Ottoman port, now a yacht marina Hıdırlık Tower — 2nd-century Roman tower overlooking the harbour Clock Tower (Saat Kulesi) — at the top of the old town Kaleiçi houses — restored Ottoman-era wooden mansions

🏛️ ANTALYA MUSEUM Located a short tram ride west of Kaleiçi. The collection includes statues from Perge, sarcophagi, Byzantine icons, and ethnographic displays. Duration: 2–3 hours.

🚐 ACCESS FROM ALANYA Distance: ~135 km Drive time: ~1 hour 45 minutes

📚 SOURCES Antalya Büyükşehir Belediyesi — Kaleiçi T.C. Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı — Antalya