Views of Old Antalya
Old Antalya
Old Antalya (Kaleici), Antalya, Turkey
Old Antalya - the historic city center on a rocky shore, known as Kaleici. These are the quarters inside the former city walls in the Muratpasa district, with a small harbor at the foot, narrow cobbled streets and Ottoman-era houses with wooden bay windows.
In one area you can see several eras at once - Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman. Fragments of the city walls and the medieval layout have been preserved, and at sea level there is a marina with views of the Antalya bay and the coastal cliffs.
Key sights: Hadrian's Gate (130 AD), Hidirlik Tower by Karaalioglu Park, Kesik Minare - the Broken Minaret of the Korkut Mosque, Iskele Mosque by the harbor, the Yivli Minaret - a symbol of Antalya, and the clock tower on Kalekapisi Square.
Old Antalya is best explored on foot. The area is partly pedestrianized, with changes in elevation, stairs and cobblestones - comfortable shoes are useful. For a leisurely walk including the harbor and viewpoints plan from 3-4 hours up to a full day. It is better to come in the morning or evening when it is not as hot. There are many cafes, craft shops and quiet courtyards inside, and a small city beach, Mermerli, is located by the port.
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Old Antalya - the historic city center on a rocky shore, known as Kaleici. These are the quarters inside the former city walls in the Muratpasa district, with a small harbor at the foot, narrow cobbled streets and Ottoman-era houses with wooden bay windows.
In one area you can see several eras at once - Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman. Fragments of the city walls and the medieval layout have been preserved, and at sea level there is a marina with views of the Antalya bay and the coastal cliffs.
Key sights: Hadrian's Gate (130 AD), Hidirlik Tower by Karaalioglu Park, Kesik Minare - the Broken Minaret of the Korkut Mosque, Iskele Mosque by the harbor, the Yivli Minaret - a symbol of Antalya, and the clock tower on Kalekapisi Square.
Old Antalya is best explored on foot. The area is partly pedestrianized, with changes in elevation, stairs and cobblestones - comfortable shoes are useful. For a leisurely walk including the harbor and viewpoints plan from 3-4 hours up to a full day. It is better to come in the morning or evening when it is not as hot. There are many cafes, craft shops and quiet courtyards inside, and a small city beach, Mermerli, is located by the port.
A convenient walking tour of the historic center.
Kaleici in a day: the harbor, viewpoints and small museums
The easiest place to start is Kalekapisi Square in the center of Antalya, from where it is easy to descend to the old harbor. On the way, visit the Ottoman Tekeli Mehmet Pasha Mosque and the terraces with views over the bay. A panoramic lift connects the upper tier of the quarters with the marina, and some of the best viewpoints of the cliffs are near it.
In a short time you can visit two small but characteristic museums. The Kaleici Suna and Inan Kirac Museum is in a restored 19th-century mansion and includes the former Greek church of St. George, where exhibitions are held. Down by the harbor is the Antalya Toy Museum, opened in 2011, with a collection of vintage and modern toys.
Short boat trips run from the harbor along the cliffed coast to the Lower Duden Waterfall and the headland viewpoints, usually lasting 1-2 hours. Inside the quarters you will find workshops and shops selling ceramics, textiles and copper goods, and in the shaded courtyards you can pause for tea. Nearby are Karaalioglu Park, Republic Square and the pedestrian street Isiklar with cafes and a tram. It's easy to get there by T1 tram to Ismetpasa or Uckapilar stops, or by the nostalgic tram to Kalekapisi, then a few minutes on foot.
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