Enter from the Hadrianus Gate
Erected in 130 by Emperor Hadrian, the Hadrianus Gate – also known as the Three Doors (Üç Kapılar) – is a historical symbol of Antalya. Made of white marble and adorned with carved reliefs, the Gate opens to the heart of the Old Town. Enter, and wander along narrow lanes lined with shops, cafes and traditional wood-and-stone houses, specially adapted to the warm climate of the region.
The Kesik Minare (Broken Minaret)
The Korkut Mosque features a minaret that is more renowned than the Mosque itself. This, because part of the minaret is missing. Known as the Kesik Minaret due to its appearance, the minaret was allegedly damaged by fire in the 19th century. Korkut Mosque, also considered the first Turkish mosque in Antalya, was previously a church built by the Romans; it was converted into a mosque by Bayezid’s son Şehzade Korkut.
The historical Clock Tower
Before the mobile phone, there were watches. Before watches – and some time after sundials – there were clock towers. Present in almost every town or city center, these clock towers enabled all – from peasant to lord – to know the time. In the present day, these towers provide a sense of history, as well as the current time. The Clock Tower in the Old Town was built by Küçük Sait Paşa at the beginning of the 20th century, for Sultan II. Abdulhamid. Even today, the square Clock Tower stands; while its clock and dials have been renewed, it still retains its original bell.
The mysterious Hıdırlık Tower
One of the most venerable structures in Antalya’s history is the Hıdırlık Tower. It is believed to have been built in the 2nd century; traces of repairs made during the Seljuk and Ottoman periods are found in the upper parts of the Tower. The Tower’s function hasn’t yet been determined. Some believe that it was the tomb of an important figure, because there are axe-shaped carvings on both entrances. Another theory is that the Tower was once a watchtower, tasked with monitoring ships approaching the Antalya harbor. Others allege that the Hıdırlık Tower was used as a church. We still don’t know!
Enjoy the breeze at the Antalya Marina
According to ancient lore, this old marina was ruled by pirates, who welcomed ships sailing into Antalya by looting them. The earliest known name for the marina was Korykos – ‘Rock Bucket’ – due to the impressive natural cliffs overlooking the harbor. Its restoration in the 1980s was recognized with the Golden Apple award and The Old Town Marina is, indeed, worth seeing, offering scenic vistas and fresh sea breezes. watch yachts, walls and historical houses accompanied by fresh sea breeze.
The Yivli Minaret Mosque (“Fluted Minaret” Mosque) and the Dervish Lodge Museum will attract your attention
The Yivli Minaret Mosque is an eye-catching structure with a dome covered in dark blue tiles and a minaret with eight ridges. Built in the 13th century by the Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat, the Mosque is considered one of the first Islamic works of the Seljuk Period; it replaced a Byzantine-era church. The Mosque complex includes the Mevlevihane (Dervish Lodge), a madrasah and two tombs. The Mosque currently serves as a State Fine Arts Gallery and is open to visitors.
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