City Center

Antalya City Center combines ancient history, Seljuk and Ottoman heritage, museums and a lively Mediterranean waterfront. At the heart of the city lies Kaleiçi Old Town, where narrow streets, traditional houses and historic monuments preserve many different periods of Antalya’s long history. Kaleiçi is the historical centre of Antalya. Its winding streets are lined with restored Ottoman-era houses, boutique hotels, cafés and small shops, while the old harbour below provides views across the Mediterranean and the surrounding city walls. One of the most impressive entrances to Kaleiçi is Hadrian’s Gate, built in the 2nd century AD to commemorate the visit of Roman Emperor Hadrian. The monumental gateway is recognised by its three arches, marble columns and decorative details and remains one of the best-preserved Roman structures in Antalya. Near the northern entrance of the old town stands the Antalya Clock Tower, an important landmark of the historic centre. Nearby, the Yivli Minaret rises above the city skyline. Built during the Seljuk period, its distinctive fluted brick design has become one of the most recognisable symbols of Antalya. At the edge of Kaleiçi stands Hıdırlık Tower, a substantial Roman-period stone structure overlooking the Mediterranean. Its original purpose is not completely certain, but it may have served defensive, navigational or monumental functions. Today, the surrounding area is particularly popular for views across Antalya Bay. Another important landmark is the Kesik Minaret, or “Broken Minaret.” The site reflects the changing religious history of Antalya, having served different functions during Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman periods. Its architecture preserves traces of these transformations and makes it one of Kaleiçi’s most distinctive historical monuments. Beyond the old town, the Antalya Archaeology Museum presents the exceptionally rich archaeological heritage of the Mediterranean region. Its collections include sculptures, sarcophagi, mosaics, coins and artefacts from important ancient cities such as Perge, Aspendos and other sites across Pamphylia and Lycia. The Atatürk House Museum provides a different perspective on Antalya’s more recent history. Housed in a reconstructed residence associated with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s visits to the city, the museum contains photographs, documents and personal objects relating to Atatürk and the early Republican period. Together, Kaleiçi, Hadrian’s Gate, the Clock Tower, Yivli Minaret, Hıdırlık Tower, Kesik Minaret and Antalya’s museums reveal the many historical layers of the city centre. Visitors can explore Roman monuments, Seljuk architecture, Ottoman streets and modern cultural collections while enjoying the atmosphere of one of Türkiye’s most important Mediterranean cities.