Photos of Kaleiçi
Kaleiçi in Antalya: Old Town by the Sea
Kaleiçi is the historic inner-city quarter of Antalya, occupying the central coastal part of the city on the Mediterranean. It is the heart of old Antalya, where fragments of the defensive walls, a maze of narrow streets and preserved Ottoman houses cluster around the ancient harbour. The district functions as a city centre, combining key urban services with monuments from different eras.
It is easy to reach by city tram to the İsmet Paşa stop, from which the district entrances are a few minutes on foot; a nostalgic tram also runs along Kaleiçi’s edge with stops at Kale Kapısı and Işıklar. Main approaches run along Atatürk Avenue and Işıklar Avenue, while Republic Square marks the northern side. Inside the quarter traffic is mostly pedestrian, with narrow cobbled lanes; Hesapçı Street and Uzunçarşı Street are useful orientation points, and several arched gates on the Atatürk Avenue side lead into the old town.
The southern edge of Kaleiçi drops to the sea, offering views over the Old Harbour and Antalya’s rocky shoreline. At the lower level there is a marina for excursion boats and the small city beach Mermerli. Viewing terraces at the cliff top are convenient for walks; to the southeast the quarter borders Karaalioğlu Park, a common landmark when planning routes.
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Ancient streets lead to the harbour
The Old Harbour, Hadrian's Gate and Kaleiçi’s Streets
The quarter contains Antalya’s key historic monuments. From Atatürk Avenue Hadrian's Gate with its three arches leads into the old town. On the cliff edge by the sea stands Hıdırlık Tower, offering panoramic views of the bay. The entrance to the historic area is also marked by the Clock Tower at Kale Kapısı. Deeper in the quarter are Kesik Minaret (the Broken Minaret) and Korkut Mosque, both reflecting the layered history of the site, and the Kaleiçi Suna-İnan Kıraç Museum, which is dedicated to traditional urban life. Hesapçı Street and Uzunçarşı Street run through residential and market areas down to the square and the slopes toward the sea.
The seaside section of Kaleiçi is the Old Harbour, with its waterfront, excursion-boat quays and steps down to the water. Nearby is the small urban beach Mermerli, suitable for a short seaside stop. Viewing platforms above the marina are arranged on the cliff top, and many alleys lead to terraces with views. Boutique hotels in renovated mansions and simpler guesthouses are common in Kaleiçi; cafés and restaurants cluster near the slopes to the harbour and in the upper part of the quarter, with prices generally around the city average.
The most convenient approach is by tram to the İsmet Paşa stop and a short walk to the entrances of Kaleiçi; the nostalgic tram stops at Kale Kapısı and Işıklar, and city buses run along Atatürk Avenue. For orientation, remember that Republic Square adjoins the northern side and Karaalioğlu Park lies to the southeast.
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