Antalya Old Town (Kaleiçi)
Mediterranean Region
Antalya Old Town, locally known as Kaleiçi, is the historic core of Antalya city, a significant Mediterranean port founded around 150-200 BC by King Attalus II of Pergamon. This charming district preserves a rich architectural heritage reflecting Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods. Visitors can explore narrow cobbled streets lined with traditional Ottoman houses, ancient city walls, and landmarks such as Hadrian's Gate, a well-preserved Roman triumphal arch. The area’s strategic coastal position made it a vital naval base and commercial hub through antiquity and medieval times. Kaleiçi's blend of cultural layers offers a vivid glimpse into Antalya's historical evolution, from its founding as Attaleia, through Roman prosperity, Byzantine naval importance, Seljuk conquest, and Ottoman rule. Today, it remains a vibrant neighborhood hosting boutique hotels, artisan shops, and lively cafes, attracting travelers seeking authentic history and Mediterranean charm.
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Consiglio: The best time to visit Antalya Old Town is during spring or autumn when the weather is pleasant and crowds are thinner. Booking guided walking tours or accommodations in advance is recommended, especially in peak tourist seasons. Visitors can benefit from combined tickets or discounts for multiple historical sites in the area. Comfortable walking shoes are advised due to cobbled streets and some uneven terrain.
Fatti interessanti
- •Antalya is Turkey's biggest international sea resort and the fourth-most visited city worldwide as of 2023.
- •Hadrian's Gate in Kaleiçi is a Roman triumphal arch built in honor of Emperor Hadrian's visit in 130 AD.
- •Antalya was visited by Paul of Tarsus and Barnabas as mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles, indicating early Christian influence.
- •The Great Mosque of Antalya was originally a Byzantine Christian basilica before conversion to a mosque during the Seljuk period.
Storia
Founded circa 150-200 BC by King Attalus II of Pergamon and originally named Attaleia, Antalya served as a naval base and prospered under Roman rule after 133 BC.
It became a key city in the Byzantine Empire, acting as the capital of the Theme of the Cibyrrhaeots and a major naval station on Anatolia's southern coast.
The Seljuk Empire took control in the early 13th century, followed by Ottoman rule from the late 14th century, bringing centuries of relative peace.
The city's historic core, Kaleiçi, retains architectural elements from these successive periods, reflecting its strategic and cultural importance through history.
Guida del luogo
Hadrian's Gate130 AD
A monumental Roman triumphal arch built in 130 AD to honor Emperor Hadrian's visit. It is one of the best-preserved Roman structures in Antalya and a symbolic entrance to Kaleiçi.
Kaleiçi Historic Houses15th-19th centuries
Traditional Ottoman-era houses featuring distinctive wooden balconies and narrow alleys, reflecting the architectural style of the period and the cultural heritage of Antalya.
Kesik Minare Mosque5th century (original church)
Originally a 5th-century Byzantine church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, later converted into a mosque during the Seljuk era, notable for its finely carved marble decoration.