Working hours: 24 hours How to go: on foot How long does it take: You are there!
Antalya, meaning Settlement of Attalos, was founded by Attalos II. After the end of the Pergamum Kingdom (133 BC), the city was independent for a while, then happened to be under the authority of pirates. BC 77, by Commander Servilius Isauricus, the territory was included in Roman ownership. In BC 67 has become the base of Pompey’s navy. Along with the visit of Hadrian’s Attaleia in AD 130, the city improvements took place. During Byzantium domination, being episcopate center named Attaleia, after Turkish conversion, city saw major development. Since modern city was built on the place of antique settlement, few ancient remains are found in Antalya today. The first visible remain is a part of the harbor breakwater, described as the old harbor wall surrounding the harbor. Restored Hadrian Gate, located outside the park walls, is one of the most beautiful ancient monuments in Antalya.
Like in all ancient city, Attaleia supposed to have had such typical constructions, as temples, agora, theater, but it is impossible to see them today.
Old City; Large part of it has been demolished and disappeared, horseshoe shaped, is surrounded by ancient walls from inside and outside. Walls are common creation of Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods and cultures. Walls have 80 towers. Around 3000 tile – roofed houses are located within the walls. The typical construction of houses do not only give the idea about architectural history, but reflect the lifestyle, customs and traditions of the region in the best way as well.
In 1972 the inner harbor and the Old City district of Antalya, was placed under protection by “Real Estate Supreme Council of Antiquities and Monuments” as a ”Protected Area” due to its unique texture. On April 28, 1984, Golden Apple Tourism Oscar award was given by FİJET (International Tourism Writers Association) to Ministry of Tourism due to “Antalya Kaleici Complex” restoration work. Nowadays, Old City hotels, pensions, along with restaurants and bars has become an entertainment center.
Throughout history, located in the South-West of the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, Antalya has become one of the Anatolia’s gateway to the sea.
Before the foundation of ancient city of Attaleia, in Antalya Kaleiçi, ancient sources state, that pirate named Korykos found the marina. ”Rock Burrow”, which also means Korykos, are important due to natural structure of the cliff and is important for asylum port consisting both.
Since BC 2, port and developing antique Attaleia has seen continuous settlement since centuries and managed to survive to the present day.
Horseshoe- shaped antique city of Antalya is protected by two thick walls, one of the walls in the shape of the sea and the other sheep are also inland. Besides main walls, there are walls separating various settlements and 50 feet tower located on the outer wall. The construction time of these walls date back to the ancient times. Romans laid the foundations of the Hellenistic wall, followed by repair and expansion done by Seljuks.
Many stone blocks with ancient inscriptions on them were used for the wall construction, and they were well protected until 19th century. Nowadays, besides such constructions as Hidirlik Tower, Hadrian’s Gate and Clock Tower, ruins are random. Today, the city surrounded by the sea and it’s walls are called Kaleiçi (Old City). The streets and buildings still bear the marks and of Antalya’s history reflects many. The streets and buildings are still full of landmarks reflecting Antalya’s history.
The narrow streets inside the walls extend upwards from the port. Fluted Minaret, Cyrus Madrasa, Karatay Madrasa, Pier Mosque, Tekeli Mahmut Pasha Mosque are just few important historical monuments within the city walls. The breathtaking views of yacht marina and old city in, both day and night, have been always inspiring international artists, poets and writers.
Today, Antalya Old City is surrounded and restricted by the sea in the West, main streets and parallel streets in the North and East and remains of the still standing ancient walls. Old City with this significant threshold limit, without typical modern storey buildings, preserved it’s traditional touch, lived up genuine and unique until the present.
The settlement pattern of the Old City, separarted by the medium ancient wall along the Church Hidirlik Streets, is formed in two different ways. The area between Republic Street and streets just mentioned, are organicly developed in accordance with the topography and the ancient walls of the Old City. Islands left between the streets are not regular. The size of the island and the length is variable. Along with medium wall, extending till Karaalioğlu park and outer walls ending with area of Hıdırlık Tower are grid textured. Structured islands are usually smooth rectangular shaped. In both textures, houses are opened to the street from one side, and to the garden from another side. Base floor planning is not regular, according to the street. On the first floor, cantilever plans are organized and carried out. Cantilevers can enrich building plan, as well as various forms of cantilevers, alleys and small squares.
Old City is available on the mezzanine floor of the house with some two or three floors. In two or three-storied houses of Kaleiçi, mezzanine floor is available sometimes. The lower floors with the top floor and courtyard stony places where the service yard is located. Since everyday life took place there, well, cookers, parts used as stables and warehouses were located on this floor. High walls, surrounding these places also provide privacy of the home. Inner stairs, which connect courtyard and first floor, gives opportunity of transition to mezzanine floor. Interim floors can be used as winter storage chamber or warehouse. Rooms on the upper floor are connecting with each other hall opens to the hall. Each room opens to the hall is shaped so that the continuation of daily life. Each room connected to hall is formed so as to continue the daily life.
Working hours: 24 hours How to go: on foot How long does it take: 1 minute
Nestled into a recess in the cliffs, Antalya’s old harbor is a picturesque huddle of boutiques, pretty cafés, bazaars and gently bobbing yachts that look out over a shimmering Mediterranean.
With its peaceful pleasure-boat atmosphere now, it’s difficult to imagine this place was once Antalya’s major economic hub. But from the 2nd century up until the mid-20th century this was the main port, bringing trade and prosperity to the city and surrounding region.
These days you come here to shop and then watch sunset over the sea while you sip a coffee. Or, head out onto the Mediterranean on one of the many excursion boats before spreading out your towel on an empty beach.
Working hours: 24 hours How to go: on foot How long does it take: 1 minute
Antalya’s most distinctive landmark is the Yivli Minare (fluted minaret) built by the Seljuk sultan Alaeddin Kykubad (1219-36). The minaret is a typical example of Seljuk architecture with a square base surmounted by an octagonal drum bearing the fluted shaft with its corbelled gallery round the top. The attached 14th century mosque is still in use today.
Working hours: 24 hours How to go: on foot How long does it take: 3 minutes
Hadrian’s Gate is one of the main (and the most dramatic) entrance gates into the Kaleiçi district. Considerable stretches of the Hellenistic and Roman town walls on the eastern side of the old town have been preserved and Hadrian’s Gate is the most notable of these sections.
Erected in honor of the AD 130 visit by Emperor Hadrian himself, this imposing three-arched marble gateway, flanked by imposing towers, is decorated with rich sculptural decorations. As you walk through the arches look up at the ceiling to view the best-preserved carvings.
Working hours: 24 hours How to go: on foot How long does it take: 3 minutes
This squat 14 m high cylindrical tower watches over the old harbor from high above on the edge of Karaalioǧlu Park. Built in the 2nd century no one is quite sure what its main function was, but most agree it acted as a watchtower or lighthouse over the busy port below.
Now it’s a fantastic spot to watch sunset or get that all-important panoramic view over the old harbor area. The park itself is a tranquil, flower-filled spot to escape the city streets and prime picnicking territory.
by bus (take LC07 from Yüzüncü Yıl street and drive till Aquarium, do interchange for Phaselis minibus on bus station)
How long does it take: around 2 hours
Phaselis ancient city was built by Rhodian colonists in 700 BC and was alive from Archaic period up to High Medieval period. It was an important place for eastern Lycia and important commerce center for Egypt Greece and Asia.
Now, Phaselis is place of historical interest. There 3 harbors, wide ancient street, Hadrian Waterway Gate, ruins of shops, Roman bath, agoras and theatres, some of them are dated back to 2 BC.
by car- drive to Serik, drive 5 km more from Serik and turn on Beşkonak intersection and go around 37 km more to reach the destination;
by bus-go to Otogar with tram from İsmetpaşa station on Işıklar, then take bus which goes to Manavgat, do interchange for Beşkonak – Köprülü Kanyon bus on Beşkonak intersection ;
How long does it take: around 2 hours
Koprulu (Köprülü) Canyon National Park is Turkey’s most popular watersports area. The national park is perfect for hiking, or to explore the ancient ruins, or just to enjoy the dramatic Mediterranean scenery.
Koprulu Canyon National Park is at the middle of many natural beauties in a fertile valley. Koprulu Canyon continues for 14 km along with the Kopru River, reaching a maximum height of 400 m.
Koprulu Canyon National Park take place high in mountains, 96 km northeast in the province of Antalya. Northeast of Antalya on the Side road take the turn off for Tasagil and Beskonak (Beşkonak), for the beautiful circular, scenic route that leads to the National Park. The road crisscrosses over the clear, flowing water of the mountain river and passes through virgin forests and over rippling waterfalls. You will want to stop often and give your camera workout in this picturesque valley. At the rest area there are fish restaurants offering delicious selections. Mountaineers will be unable to resist climbing, exploring and camping in this rudged, scenic spot. Return to Antalya via the other half of the scenic route.
Oluk Bridge on Kopru River and Bugrum Bridge on Kocadere Stream are noteworthy samples of Roman engineering. Oluk Bridge was built 27 m above the canyon by using stone blocks and overlapping technique. The bridge dates back to the 2nd century AD. Koprulu Canyon National Park has a rich flora including red pine, black pine, cedar, fir, oak varieties and wild olives. Koprulu Canyon National Park also hosts the largest cypress forest of Asia minör.
Selge Antique City and Bozburun Mountain are located within the limits of National Park. Oluk Bridge or Beskonak town is where the raftsmen get in the river for rafting in Kopru River. Village kind guesthouses are available in the area.
Koprulu Canyon is one of the longest canyons in Turkey. Kopru River is famous with its salmon trouts. Cypress, cedar, red pine and black pine trees form the ecosystem of the area, and the Mediterranean cypress forest, at 400 hectares wide, is the most significant flora characteristic in Koprulu Canyon National Park. The Roman Oluk Bridge over the canyon and the Bugrum Bridge over the Kocadere stream were engineering feats of their time.
Working hours: April – October 08:00 – 19:00 November – March 08:00 – 17:00
How to go: by car – drive to Aksu, follow signs and turn on Antalya – Isparta intersection and follow the way
How long does it take: around 1 hour
Perge’s vast and rubble-filled stadium, half destroyed temples and huge colonnaded agora are imbued with an atmosphere of past glory.
This was once the capital of ancient Pamphylia, which blossomed first under Greek and then Roman rule. The ruins here are not as well preserved as other tourist attractions on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, but this also means it attracts fewer crowds, leaving visitors able to explore the long colonnaded streets and half-collapsed temples in peace. The Roman baths, Hellenistic Gate and Acropolis are all particularly interesting.
Working hours: Summer time- 08:00-19:00 Winter time- 08:00-17:00
How to go: by bus – drive to Otogar by tram, interchange for Korkuteli minibus by car – Drive Antalya – Denizli yolu D350/E87, 36km
How long does it take: around 1 hour
Neither the Greeks nor the Romans managed to tame the war-like Pisidians who fiercely protected their independence from the mountain eyrie of Termessos.
The well-preserved remains of this ancient city are scattered along a rugged hillside with jaw-dropping views across the surrounding countryside. Wear sturdy shoes and take plenty of water if you want to fully explore this site. The colonnaded street and upper agora are particularly impressive, but don’t miss the theatre where the vistas across the peaks of the Taurus Mountains are surreal and beautiful.
by car – drive Antalya – Kemer D400 road, turn right near Avantgarde Hotel right after bridge.
by bus- drive LC07 from Yüzüncü Yıl street up to Aquarium, interchange on Antalya – Göynük bus. There is Göynük kanyon minibus beginning of the every hour
How long does it take: around 1 hour
Göynük Kanyon is one of the most popular trekking path in Kemer region and is famous for it’s natural beauty. It is a must – visit for those who are fond of active tourism.
