Hadrian's Gate (Üçkapılar)

Description

The monumental city gate with three arches built to commemorate the arrival of the Roman Emperor Hadrian to the city.

Story

Hadrian's Gate stands today as the most magnificent entrance to Kaleiçi, located at the eastern entrance of the Antalya city walls. This monumental structure was built in honor of Emperor Hadrian's visit to the city in A.D. 130 and is one of the most impressive remnants of the Roman Empire left in the city. The gate consists of three round arched passages and is a testament to imperial power, with its marble columns, richly decorated friezes, and reliefs carved into stone. Over time, during the Seljuk and Ottoman periods, the gate remained hidden within the walls of the city, only re-emerging in the mid-20th century when surrounding structures were removed. Today, visitors admire the ancient stone pavement, which features deep grooves worn by horse-drawn carriages, visible beneath the glass covering. According to a local legend, it is said that Queen Belkis also passed through this gate on her way to the palace in Aspendos; this story further enhances the romantic atmosphere surrounding the gate. Hadrian's Gate is not just a monument for taking photographs; it serves as a threshold connecting the city's Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods. One side opens to modern Antalya, while the other faces the narrow streets of Kaleiçi. The lion heads, floral motifs, and elegant column capitals used in the gate's decorations showcase the intricacy of Roman stone craftsmanship. With its night illumination, the gate becomes both a meeting point for locals and a natural stop for first-time visitors to the city. Thus, Hadrian's Gate stands as one of the symbolic structures carrying the identity of Antalya, with a history approaching two thousand years.

Visit Tips

• The door can be seen for free from the outside every day of the year, 24 hours a day; it is located at the entrance of Kaleiçi.
• Especially during the summer months, it is very crowded during the day; early morning hours or night lighting are ideal for photography.
• Wear comfortable shoes because the sidewalks are made of stone; be careful when passing with a stroller or wheelchair.
• There are many cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops in the vicinity; it is necessary to use the surrounding parking lots for vehicles.

Photos