Antalya's Historical and Cultural Heritage Guide
Antalya, renowned for its rich history and natural beauty, welcomes thousands of tourists annually. In this guide, we provide practical information to explore the most significant historical and cultural sites in and around Antalya.
1. Kaleiçi
Today's Antalya is built upon what was once the 2nd century BC city of Attaleia and an earlier unknown settlement. Surrounded on three sides by Hellenistic-Roman walls, its northeastern entrance is marked by the majestic Hadrian's Gate, built in honor of the Emperor's visit in AD 130. The transformation of a Roman-era Serapis Temple into the Panghai Church, and eventually into the Kesik Minare, captures the evolution of the city. The Hıdırlık Tower, a monumental tomb with a square base and a round top, stands at the other end, offering a gateway to the ancient Dead Sea.
How to Get There: Kaleiçi is easily accessible from Antalya's city center by foot or tram. *Admission:* Entry to Kaleiçi is free. *Important Tips:* Be cautious when walking through the narrow streets and help preserve the historical structures.
2. Karatay Medrese and Kaleiçi Ethnography Museum
Located in the heart of Antalya's Old Town, Kaleiçi, the Karatay Medrese, built in 1250 by Celaleddin Karatay (also known as Karadayı Mosque in some sources), stands as a testament to historical architecture. This two-iwan (porch) medrese is part of a group of schools that includes notable remnants like the portal, the mihrab (prayer niche) of the main iwan, and the entrance iwan. The intricately designed motifs in the niches and mihrabs are particularly eye-catching.
How to Get There: Easily accessible from within Kaleiçi. *Admission:* Entry to Karatay Medrese is free. *Important Tips:* Photography inside the museum may be limited.
3. Kaleiçi Ethnography Museum
Set in the heart of Kaleiçi, the tourist hub of Antalya's city center, the Kaleiçi Ethnography Museum is uniquely housed in two historical mansions dating back to the Ottoman Era. The museum, divided into Lower and Upper Mansions based on its location, offers a vivid glimpse into the past.
In the Lower Mansion, visitors can explore Turkish-Islamic artifacts, while the Upper Mansion displays objects and dioramas depicting the daily life of the Antalyan people during the Ottoman Era. The first floor of the Lower Mansion showcases relics unearthed from Kaleiçi excavations and ceramic pieces from the Seljuk Era, when the Aspendos Theatre was used as a palace. This section also features exquisite works from major Ottoman ceramic centers like Iznik, Kütahya, and Çanakkale, including handcrafted glass items.
The second floor is dedicated to Ottoman Era weaponry, other everyday objects, and examples of calligraphy art. The Upper Mansion vividly portrays the home life in Antalya during the Ottoman period, across different rooms outfitted with period-specific furnishings. It also brings to life the significant Yörük culture, integral to Antalya's heritage, through detailed reenactments. Additionally, visitors can view Seljuk and Ottoman inscriptions, cannons with their balls, and tombstones in the gardens of the mansions.
How to Get There: Easily accessible from within Kaleiçi. *Admission:* Entry to the Kaleiçi Ethnography Museum is free. *Important Tips:* Photography inside the museum may be limited.
4. Yacht Harbor in Kaleiçi
The Kaleiçi Yacht Harbor, a natural harbor shaped like a semicircle, was constructed during the Hellenistic Period and stands as a testament to Antalya's historical significance. The entrance to the harbor stretches 110 meters wide. It is believed that the breakwaters were built upon the remains of walls dating back to the Hellenistic Period. Historically, two towers flanked the harbor's entrance, one of which is thought to have served as a lighthouse. In 1472, the Papal Navy erected the Papal Arms on the breakwater towers and took the chain stretched between them as booty to ensure the city's security.
How to Get There: The Yacht Harbor is easily accessible on foot from Kaleiçi. *Admission:* Free of charge. *Important Tips:* Please walk carefully in the Yacht Harbor area and refrain from littering into the sea.
5. Hadrian's Gate
Hadrian's Gate, also known as Üçkapılar, is a monumental triumphal arch built in 130 AD to honor Roman Emperor Hadrian's visit to Antalya. It stands majestically on the city's surrounding walls. The gate features four marble columns on each facade, creating a three-arched gateway, flanked by two towers. While the upper level of the gate has not survived to the present day, the lower part was unearthed in 1882 and underwent significant restoration in 1959 to restore it to its original form.
How to Get There: Accessible by a short walk from Kaleiçi. *Admission:* Free of charge. *Important Tips:* Please walk carefully when passing through Hadrian's Gate.
6. Yivli Minaret
The Yivli Minaret, also known as Antalya Ulu Mosque, is one of the earliest Islamic structures in Antalya. Dating back to the 13th century, this Seljuk masterpiece boasts a base made of cut stone, while its body is crafted from bricks and turquoise-colored tiles. It features eight grooves, which have led to its name, "Yivli" (Grooved) Minaret. Today, the minaret stands as a symbol of Antalya city. It rises to a height of 38 meters and can be ascended via a staircase of 90 steps.
How to Get There: Located within Kaleiçi, the minaret is easily accessible on foot. *Admission:* Free to visit. *Important Tips:* Please be respectful in this historical area and help preserve its structures.
7. Kesik Minaret
The Kesik Minaret, situated in the Kaleiçi district of Antalya, southern Turkey, is a historic mosque also known as Kırık Minare Camii, Korkut Mosque, or Cumanın Mosque. Originally constructed as a Roman temple in the 2nd century AD, it was transformed into a Byzantine church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the 7th century, but suffered extensive damage during Arab invasions in the same century. It was restored in the 9th century. When the Anatolian Seljuk State captured Antalya in the early 13th century, the building was converted into a mosque, and its main minaret was added. It reverted to a church under the rule of Prince Korkut during the Cyprus Crusade's occupation in 1361. The main building of the mosque was destroyed in a fire, and since the 1800s, the minaret has continued to exist as the Kesik Minaret. In 2019, the top cone and balconies, which had been missing for 123 years, were restored.
How to Get There: Located within Kaleiçi, the Kesik Minaret is easily accessible on foot. *Admission:* Free to visit. *Important Tips:* Please be respectful in this historical area and help preserve its structures.
8. Antalya Archaeological Museum
The Antalya Archaeological Museum, established in 1922 by Süleyman Fikri Erten, was founded to protect artifacts rescued from plunder by invading forces after World War I. Initially located within the Alaaddin Mosque in Kaleiçi and then the Yivli Mosque, the museum moved to its current building in 1972. Today, the museum spans a 30,000 square meter area, featuring 14 exhibition halls, open-air galleries, and a garden where sculptures and various artifacts are displayed. It covers significant portions of three ancient cultural regions within Antalya's boundaries: Lycia, Pamphylia, and Pisidia. The Antalya Museum, serving as both an archaeological and historical museum as well as a regional museum, largely showcases artifacts unearthed from excavations in the area. The exhibition halls chronologically display thousands of years of Antalya's history. The museum is especially renowned for its Roman-era artifacts from Perge and unique findings from rescue excavations, ranking it among the world's most significant museums. It was honored with the "Council of Europe Museum of the Year" award in 1988.
How to Get There: Accessible by bus or taxi from the city center. *Admission Fee:* 340 TL. *Important Tips:* Please refrain from touching the exhibits and maintain quiet within the museum.
9. Konyaaltı Beach
Konyaaltı Beach, along with Lara Beach, is one of the two major beaches in Antalya. Located to the west of the city center, along the Mediterranean coast of the Konyaaltı district, this beach stretches for 7 kilometers from the Konyaaltı Variant, where the cliffs recede, to the Antalya port. Part of this pebbly beach, which extends for 4.5 kilometers in length and 70 meters in width, is a public beach awarded the prestigious Blue Flag for its cleanliness and water quality.
How to Get There: Accessible by bus or private vehicle from the city center. *Admission:* The beach has both free and paid sections.
10. Aspendos Ancient Theatre
Aspendos, also known as Belkıs, is an ancient city famous for its ancient theater, located in the Belkıs village within the Serik district of Antalya Province. Founded by the Achaeans in the 10th century BC, Aspendos was one of the wealthy and well-developed cities of the ancient era. The city, built on two hills, one larger and one smaller, is situated 8 kilometers east of Serik, where the Köprüçay River flows from the mountains onto the plain. The theater in Aspendos, constructed by the Romans in the 2nd century AD, is one of the best-preserved open-air theaters from antiquity, offering a unique glimpse into ancient Roman architectural ingenuity. The architect of the Aspendos Theatre was Zenon, son of Theodorus of Aspendos. Its construction started during the reign of Antonius Pius and was completed in the era of Marcus Aurelius (138-164 AD). The theater was dedicated to the local gods and the imperial family.
How to Get There: Accessible by bus or private vehicle from the city center. *Admission Fee:* The entrance fee is 340 TL. *Important Tips:* Be cautious as the paths in Aspendos can be slippery.
11. Perge, Side, and Termessos: Ancient Cities of Antalya
Explore the rich history of Antalya with visits to the ancient cities of Perge, Side, and Termessos. Each offers a unique window into the region's past, showcasing civilizations that have shaped this area over millennia.
Perge: Located 18 km east of Antalya, within the borders of Aksu district, Perge was once the capital of the Pamphylia region. It is believed that the city's acropolis dates back to the Bronze Age, and throughout the Hellenistic period, Perge was considered one of the richest and most beautiful cities of the ancient world.
Side: Attached to the Manavgat district of Antalya, Side's name means "Pomegranate" in the Anatolian language, indicating its deep-rooted history, possibly extending back to the Hittites. It is thought to have been established before the 7th century BC, and it shares a history similar to other cities in the Pamphylia region. Notably, Side developed its own language until the 3rd century BC, a yet-to-be fully deciphered Indo-European language.
Termessos: One of Turkey's best-preserved ancient cities, Termessos is located 30 km northwest of Antalya, perched at an average altitude of 1,150 meters on a natural plateau on the southern slopes of Güllük Mountain. Surrounded by dense pine forests and wild flora, Termessos stands out with its tranquil and untouched ambiance. Due to its natural and historical riches, it has been incorporated into a national park named after the city itself.
How to Get There: Accessible via private tours or personal vehicles.
Admission Fees: Perge: 200 TL, Side: 350 TL, Termessos: 70 TL.
Important Tips: Exercise caution in archaeological sites and help preserve the environment.
12. Olympos, Phaselis, Demre, Myra, and Kekova: A Journey Through Antalya's Past
Explore the enchanting history and natural beauty of Antalya with a visit to the ancient sites of Olympos, Phaselis, Demre, Myra, and the island of Kekova.
Olympos: Situated in the Kumluca district, 10 km north of Mount Tahtalı, Olympos is an ancient Lycian settlement, 85.7 km from Antalya. Known for being a nesting ground for Caretta Caretta turtles, Olympos is a protected site and a favored destination among university students and backpackers.
Phaselis (Phaselis): An ancient Greek and Roman city in Lycia, located near today's Kemer district. Phaselis is known not just for its historical significance but also as a popular beach tourism destination.
Demre (Myra): Always considered one of the most important cities of Lycia, Myra's earliest coins date back to the 3rd century BC, though it's believed to have been founded at least by the 5th century BC. Located in today's Demre district, Myra was a prosperous city where wealthy citizens generously supported civic projects during the Roman period. The ancient city of Myra, particularly famous for its Lycian rock tombs, Roman theater, and the Byzantine Church of Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus), is a sight to behold.
Kekova: Also known as Dolichiste in Lycian, Kekova is a small, rocky island near the Demre district, often referred to as "Kakava" in historical sources. The island, covering an area of 4.5 km², is uninhabited but features pensions and cafes accessible by boat, opposite the mainland village of Kaleköy.
How to Get There: Accessible from Antalya city center by renting a car or through tour companies.
Admission Fees: Olympos: 90 TL, Phaselis: 220 TL, Demre: 90 TL, Myra: 30 TL, Kekova: 90 TL.
Important Tips: Please be mindful of preserving the natural and historical beauty of these sites.
13. Kurşunlu Waterfall: A Tranquil Oasis in Antalya
Kurşunlu Waterfall, a hidden gem in Antalya, offers a serene escape amidst nature's splendor. Located approximately 7 km off the Antalya-Isparta highway at the 24th km mark, this enchanting waterfall cascades from a height of 18 meters, creating a series of charming smaller waterfalls and seven little ponds, all interconnected. Nestled within a 2 km-long canyon, Kurşunlu Waterfall is a picturesque retreat for nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility.
How to Get There: Easily accessible from Antalya city center by bus or private vehicle.
Admission Fee: Around 30 TL.
Important Tips: Please walk carefully around the waterfall area and be mindful of preserving the natural habitat.
14. Düden Waterfalls: Nature's Splendor Near Antalya
Düden Waterfalls, located approximately 10 kilometers from the heart of Antalya, are a spectacular natural wonder drawing visitors from around the globe. The waterfalls originate from the Kepez Hydroelectric Plant and surface at a point known as Düdenbaşı. Düden River bifurcates into two distinct branches: Lower Düden (or Karpuzkaldıran Waterfall) about 7 kilometers from Antalya, and Upper Düden Waterfall, located 1 kilometer from Varsak. Both branches ultimately cascade into the Mediterranean Sea. Lower Düden Waterfall, near Lara and 8 kilometers from the city center, dramatically plunges from cliffs approximately 40 meters high, offering a breathtaking view. Nearby attractions include Gençlik Park and the Karpuzkaldıran Military Facilities.
How to Get There: Accessible from the city center by bus or private vehicle.
Admission Fee: Approximately 20 TL.
Important Tips: Please exercise caution when walking around the waterfall area and be mindful of preserving the natural environment.
15. Manavgat Waterfall: A Scenic Retreat in Antalya’s Manavgat District
The Manavgat Waterfall, a captivating natural landmark, is located on the Manavgat River in Antalya's Manavgat district, around 72 kilometers from Antalya city center. This picturesque waterfall, situated just 3 kilometers north of Manavgat, owes its existence to the river waters cascading down a 3-4 meter high cliff. Despite its modest height, the waterfall impressively flows over a wide area with substantial force. Additionally, the largest source feeding the Manavgat River, the karstic Dumanlı spring, now resides within the Oymapınar Dam lake post-construction.
How to Get There: Accessible from the city center by bus or private vehicle.
Admission Fee: Approximately 20 TL.
Important Tips: Exercise caution when walking around the waterfall area and be mindful of protecting the natural habitat.