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Kaleiçi, Antalya's historic center, is a charming area that transports visitors back in time with its narrow streets and traditional houses.
Story
Considered the heart of Antalya, Kaleiçi is one of the city's oldest settlements, with its history dating back to the 2nd century BC. It bears traces of the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods. The area is notable for its surrounding walls, which were built and repaired during different eras. One of Kaleiçi's most distinctive features is its labyrinthine narrow, cobblestone streets. Along these streets, traditional Antalya houses, typically two or three stories high, exhibit a unique architecture with their wooden bay windows and tiled roofs. Most of these houses date from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Hadrian's Gate (Üç Kapılar), located in the area, was built in memory of Roman Emperor Hadrian's visit to Antalya in 130 AD and is one of the city's most important historical structures. The Yivli Minaret, dating from the Seljuk period, is one of Antalya's symbols. The Kesik Minare Mosque, originally a Roman temple, was converted into a church during the Byzantine period, and then into a mosque during the Seljuk and Ottoman periods. Today, Kaleiçi houses many restored historical buildings and is bustling with boutique hotels, restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops...
Visit Tips
- Don't hesitate to get lost in the narrow streets of Kaleiçi; a new discovery might await you around every corner.
- Be sure to visit Hadrian's Gate and the Yivli Minaret; they offer great spots for taking photos.
- Examine the traditional Antalya houses in Kaleiçi; their architecture is quite impressive.
- Choose one of the restaurants in Kaleiçi for dinner and enjoy the harbor view.
- Visit the Antalya Museum to witness the rich history of the region more closely.