Old Antalya
Old Antalya in Antalya, Turkey - the historic district of Kaleici
Old Antalya, better known as Kaleici, is located in the center of the city of Antalya, on a high shore above the Mediterranean Sea. This is a historic district within and near the former fortress walls, where the old layout with narrow streets, stone paving, and Ottoman-era houses has been preserved. At the foot of the cliffs lies the old harbor, which is now used as a marina.
The appearance of Kaleici took shape over many centuries. The district shows traces of the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods: sections of fortifications, towers, gates, and individual monuments from different eras have been preserved. Thanks to this, a walk through Old Antalya allows you to see how the city changed from ancient times to the late Ottoman period.
Among the best-known monuments of the district are Hadrian's Gate, Hidirlik Tower, Iskele Mosque by the harbor, the truncated minaret Kesik Minare, as well as Yivli Minaret and the clock tower near the entrances to the old quarter. The harbor offers views of the Gulf of Antalya, the boats in the marina, and the coastal cliffs. The district is of interest to those who want to combine a walk through historic streets with viewing architecture and sea views.
Kaleici is best explored on foot. There are many descents, ascents, stairs, and cobbled sections here, so it is better to choose comfortable shoes for a walk. Exploring the district usually takes several hours, and if you stop by courtyards, viewpoints, small museums, cafes, and the harbor, the walk can take half a day.
Old Antalya on the map
Old Antalya - walking routes and monuments
Narrow streets and sea views reveal the city's history.
Historic streets, harbor, and monuments from different eras
A walk through Kaleici usually begins at the gate and square by the outer part of the old city, after which the route leads into a network of narrow streets between stone walls and historic houses. Here you can walk to small inner courtyards, look at wooden bay windows, arches, fragments of old masonry, and descend to the harbor along streets that in places retain a medieval character.
In the district, it is easy to combine viewing architecture with stops at viewpoints. Visitors especially often go to Hidirlik Tower and to the edge of the cliffs above the sea, from where the coast and the port are visible. At the harbor itself there are piers for excursion boats, cafes, and terraces, and nearby is the small Mermerli Beach. Boutique hotels, craft shops, and small museums also operate in the old quarters.
For a visit, it is worth taking the terrain into account: the streets in Old Antalya are uneven, with slopes and steps, so the district is not everywhere convenient for strollers and people with limited mobility. It is better to come in the morning or toward evening, when it is easier to walk along the stone streets, especially in the hot season. Nearby are Karaalioglu Park, Yivli Minaret, and Kalekapisi Square, so a walk through the district is often combined with the central part of Antalya.
The easiest way to get here is on foot or by tram to stops in the center of Antalya, from where it is usually a few minutes' walk to the entrances of Kaleici.
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