Photos of Hadrian's Gate
Hadrian's Gate
Hadrian's Gate - Antalya, Turkey
Hadrian's Gate is an ancient monument in Antalya and one of the city's most recognizable Roman landmarks. It was built in 130 AD to commemorate Emperor Hadrian's visit to Attaleia. The structure is a triumphal gate with three arches of light-colored marble, Corinthian columns and a richly decorated entablature. Locals often call it Üçkapılar - Three Gates.
The monument stands on the border between the Kaleiçi quarter and the modern part of Antalya's center, on Atatürk Street (Atatürk Caddesi). On one side - a busy thoroughfare, on the other - the narrow streets of the historic district. For many, it's a convenient and visible entrance to the old town.
The monument is very well preserved: for a long time it was built into the city walls and not used as a roadway. Under the arches you can see stretches of the Roman pavement with wheel ruts from carts - a rare detail that helps imagine how the gate looked and functioned in antiquity.
The gate is flanked by two towers. The southern one, known as Julia Sancta, dates to Roman times and its upper part was rebuilt in the Middle Ages. The northern tower was erected in the 13th century under the Seljuk sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I. Today the passage through the arches is open to pedestrians.
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Hadrian's Gate is an ancient monument in Antalya and one of the city's most recognizable Roman landmarks. It was built in 130 AD to commemorate Emperor Hadrian's visit to Attaleia. The structure is a triumphal gate with three arches of light-colored marble, Corinthian columns and a richly decorated entablature. Locals often call it Üçkapılar - Three Gates.
The monument stands on the border between the Kaleiçi quarter and the modern part of Antalya's center, on Atatürk Street (Atatürk Caddesi). On one side - a busy thoroughfare, on the other - the narrow streets of the historic district. For many, it's a convenient and visible entrance to the old town.
The monument is very well preserved: for a long time it was built into the city walls and not used as a roadway. Under the arches you can see stretches of the Roman pavement with wheel ruts from carts - a rare detail that helps imagine how the gate looked and functioned in antiquity.
The gate is flanked by two towers. The southern one, known as Julia Sancta, dates to Roman times and its upper part was rebuilt in the Middle Ages. The northern tower was erected in the 13th century under the Seljuk sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I. Today the passage through the arches is open to pedestrians.
Examine the carving, towers and Roman pavement.
Arches, capitals and towers - what to look for at Hadrian's Gate
Step closer to the arches to study the coffered vaults with rosettes and the carved friezes with vegetal ornament. The Corinthian capitals are decorated with acanthus leaves, and the marble finish retains the fine detailing typical of Roman triumphal monuments.
Notice the towers beside the opening. The northern 13th-century tower belongs to the Seljuk period and bears an Arabic inscription with the name of Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I. In the southern tower the ancient Roman masonry is clearly visible in the lower courses, while the upper levels were added later. In the evening the architecture is highlighted by soft lighting - a good time for photos without harsh shadows.
Through the arches you will enter Kaleiçi. Walk along Hesapçı Street to Hıdırlık Tower and Karaalioğlu Park, and visit the Old Harbor. A couple of minutes from the gate are the Clock Tower and the Yivli Minaret Mosque - easy to combine with a visit to the historic center.
Visiting is free and the site is open 24 hours a day. The easiest way is to walk from Antalya city center - Republic Square - in 5-10 minutes, or take the nostalgic tram to the Kale Kapısı stop or the AntRay line to İsmetpaşa station, then walk.
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