Old Town Kaleici is a historic neighborhood located in the heart of the modern Turkish resort city of Antalya on the Mediterranean coast. It is considered a popular tourist attraction. It is famous not only for its Ottoman architecture, labyrinthine narrow winding streets, and authentic mosques but also for its numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars with concert halls. There are historical monuments from different periods and eras. If you are interested in history and ancient architecture, visit this atmospheric location.
How to get to the Old Town
Cumhuriyet Boulevard borders Old Town Kaleici in the north, Ataturk Boulevard in the east, and the promenade in the west. You can get here on foot, by public transport, or by cab. The nearest streetcar stop is Ataturk Boulevard. The distance from the city center to Kaleici is about three kilometers.
Brief history of Kaleici
Over the centuries, Kaleici has witnessed an incredible number of important historical events. The first settlement arose on this site in the IV century BC. More than two thousand years ago, Attalus II, the ruler of the Kingdom of Pergamum, ordered a city to be built here, which was named Attalia, in his honor.
In 133 BC, the Romans took over the port city. During the Roman period, the region was named Kaleici, which literally means "inside the fortress". The outpost, encircled by high walls with 80 towers and numerous cannons, became an important strategic point on the route from Europe to Asia. By the XV century, the Ottoman Empire had taken control of Antalya and the Old City. In addition to the buildings from the Roman and Byzantine periods, there were traditional Islamic buildings.
Main attractions of the Old Town
Modern Kaleici is spread over an area of more than 35 hectares and includes four districts. Even though the city has been subjected to several earthquakes, most of the buildings have been restored. Some of them have even survived in their original form, including Hadrian's Gate, Hıdırlık Tower, and Yivli Minaret.
Antalya Ethnographic Museum
Take a journey into the city's past and learn about its glorious history at the Antalya Ethnographic Museum. The museum mainly features Turkish-Islamic artifacts, interior items, clothing, and household items reflecting life in Antalya during the Ottoman Empire.
Atmospheric streets and a diversity of authentic establishments
Be sure to stroll through the atmospheric ancient streets with authentic wooden buildings from the Ottoman period, newly renovated boutique hotels, numerous bars, and restaurants serving traditional Turkish treats and drinks. Don't miss the colorful local bazaar. Here you can buy various souvenirs, antiques, paintings, and high-quality carpets.
The best view of the Old Town
The best view of the ancient settlement is from the glass-floored observation deck in the small Kecili Park. Here you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of the surrounding area — the sea, the mountains, the pier, and Mermerli beach.
The pier and the Duden Waterfalls
You can finish exploring Old Town Kaleici on its western outskirts, with a cozy harbor and marina. From here, you can enjoy magical views of the blue Mediterranean Sea. Boat cruises along the picturesque coastline to the nearby Düden Waterfalls depart from the marina.
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Photos Old Town Kaleici
Selçuk Mh., Uzun Çarşı Sk, Antalya
Selçuk Mh., Uzun Çarşı Sk, Antalya
Antalya Old Town (Kaleici) on the map
Old Town Kaleici - attractions nearby
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