Situated in the very heart of Antalya, away from the big hotels and shops, you'll find Kaleiçi. The oldest part of the city. Small streets, little bars, souvenir shops and so much more.
A trip you really must undertake while in the region.
After you parked the car in one of the many parkings, you’ll easily find Kaleiçi by walking to Kale Kapısı, the main square, which stands out thanks to the Saat Kulesi (clock tower), built during the reign of Ottoman Sultan Abdül Hamid II. You’ll also know you’ve made it to the square when you see the statue of King Attalus II of Pergamon, who founded the city of Attalia around 150BCE. From there, you can enter the old town by walking into Uzun Çarşı Sokak, opposite the clock tower.
“Lose yourself in the many small streets, while forgetting your busy life. Kaleiçi is truelly breathtaking”
Once you’re on Uzun Çarşı Sokak, make sure to see the beautiful Tekeli Mehmet Paşa Cami, an Ottoman mosque built in the 18th century. If you wander towards the top along Hesapçı Sokak, you’ll inevitably come upon the grand ruin of Hadrian’s Gate, built in 130CE to commemorate the visit of Roman emperor Hadrian. Make sure to pay attention to (and shoot some photos of) the beautifully ornate floral motif friezes and cornices. A little further down on Hesapçı Sokak, you’ll find the ruins of the Kesik Minare Cami (Broken Minaret Mosque), a former Roman temple built in the second century that later became a Byzantine church and then, in the 13th century, a mosque.
Once you’ve taken in all the sights, make sure to wander around the narrow cobblestoned streets to admire the Ottoman-era houses, many of which have been restored and turned into small hotels. One of the historic homes also houses the Suna-İnan Kıraç Kaleiçi Museum, which focusses on ethnography and also happens to contain an Orthodox church in the beautiful garden. You can also do some shopping in one of the many little stores selling souvenirs, or just sit down at a cafe for a much-needed rest in the shade. If you happen to be in Kaleiçi in the evening, walk to Karaalioğlu Park (the southwestern edge of Kaleiçi) for a stroll accompanied by an immense, colourful view of a magnificent sunset.
And after all this beauty, walk down to the harbour and enjoy the end of the day with a Raki.
But only one, you still need to drive back ;)
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