Hadrian's Gate
Mediterranean Region
Hadrian's Gate, locally known as Üçkapılar meaning "The Three Gates," is a remarkable Roman memorial gate located in Antalya, Turkey. Constructed to honor Emperor Hadrian's visit in 130 CE, it stands as the sole surviving entrance of the ancient city walls that once surrounded Antalya and its harbor. The gate features two colonnaded facades and three arched entrances rising above four pylons, reaching approximately 8 meters in height. Most of the structure is crafted from white marble, except for the granite pillars. Its decorative elements include floral and rosette reliefs, an entablature with a floral frieze, and an ornate cornice adorned with lion heads. The gate originally had two stories, with the upper story believed to have held statues of Hadrian and his family, as well as an inscription honoring the emperor. The Southern Tower, called Julia Sancta, dates from the Roman era but was likely built separately, while the Northern Tower's base is Roman with a Seljuk-era upper section inscribed in Arabic script. The gate was rediscovered in 1817 by Irish hydrographer Francis Beaufort and was restored in 1959 after being concealed by collapsed city walls for centuries. Visitors today can walk over a perspex floor revealing the original Roman pavement, worn by countless carts passing through. Hadrian's Gate is widely regarded as the most beautiful gate in the ancient region of Pamphylia, combining historical significance with exquisite architectural details.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Hadrian's Gate is during the cooler morning or late afternoon hours to avoid the heat and crowds. Purchasing tickets or passes for Antalya's historical sites in advance can help streamline your visit. While the gate itself is an open monument, nearby museums housing the recovered bronze letters may offer additional insights. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes to explore the gate's walkway and surrounding old city area. Guided tours are recommended to fully appreciate the gate's history and architectural features.
Faits intéressants
- •Hadrian's Gate is the only remaining entrance gate of the ancient city walls of Antalya.
- •The gate features three passageways decorated with intricate floral and rosette reliefs carved in white marble.
- •Original Roman-era pavement worn by carts is visible beneath a protective perspex floor at the gate's main arch.
- •A dozen bronze letters from an inscription honoring Emperor Hadrian were found at the gate's foot and are now dispersed among museums in Vienna, Berlin, London, and Oxford.
- •The Northern Tower's upper section was rebuilt in the 13th century during the Seljuk period and bears an Arabic inscription.
Histoire
Hadrian's Gate was built in 130 CE to commemorate the Roman Emperor Hadrian's visit to Antalya.
It served as a prominent city entrance, later incorporated into the defensive city walls.
Over time, the gate was concealed by the walls and remained unused for many years, which helped preserve it.
Rediscovered in 1817 by Francis Beaufort, it underwent restoration in 1959 after the city walls collapsed in the 1950s.
The Northern Tower's upper part was rebuilt during the 13th century under Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat I, blending Roman and medieval architecture.
Guide du lieu
Main Archways and Facades130 CE
Hadrian's Gate features two colonnaded facades with three grand arches rising above four pylons. The arches are adorned with floral and rosette reliefs carved in white marble, showcasing exquisite Roman craftsmanship.
Southern Tower (Julia Sancta)Roman era
The Southern Tower stands adjacent to the gate and dates from the Roman era. It was probably constructed independently from the main gate structure.
Northern Tower13th century
The lower part of the Northern Tower is Roman, but its upper section was rebuilt in the 13th century during the reign of Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat I. It features an inscription in Arabic script.
Original Roman PavementRoman era
Beneath the gate's main arch, visitors can view the original Roman-era pavement through a protective perspex floor. The pavement bears deep grooves worn by carts that passed through the gate over centuries.