Antalya’s Historical and Cultural Heritage Guide
Antalya welcomes thousands of tourists every year with its rich history and natural beauties. In this guide, we offer practical information for you to discover the most important historical and cultural areas in Antalya and its surroundings.

1. Kaleiçi
In today’s Antalya, there is a “kaleiçi” that sits on the 2nd century BC Attaleia and an unnamed previous settlement. At the northeast end, where the Hellenistic-Roman walls surrounding it on three sides open to allow passage to the city, it is entered through a three-arched Hadrian’s Gate built in honor of the Emperor’s arrival in the city in 130 AD; the Kesik Minaret, which was transformed from a Roman Serapis Temple to the Panghai Church and finally focuses on; the monumental temple tomb known to the public as the Hıdırlık Tower, which ends round on a square base, reaches the Dead Sea at the other end.

How to Get There: Close to Antalya city center, accessible by walking or tram. Fee: Entrance to Kaleiçi is free.
Things to Consider: Be careful while walking on narrow streets and protect historical structures.

2. Karatay Madrasah and Kaleiçi Ethnography Museum
Karatay Madrasah, located in Antalya-Kaleiçi, was built in 1250 by Celaleddin Karatay (known as Karadayı Mosque in some sources). Antalya Karatay Madrasah, which is in the group of two-iwan madrasahs, has the following surviving parts: its portal, the mihrab of the large iwan and the entrance iwan. The ornate motifs on the niches and mihrabs are quite striking.

How to Get There It is easily accessible from Kaleiçi.

Fee: Entrance to Karatay Madrasah is free.
Things to Consider: Photography may be limited inside the museum.

3. Kaleiçi Ethnography Museum
Antalya Ethnography Museum, which was created by arranging two historical mansions from the Ottoman Period, is located in Kaleiçi, a touristic area of ​​the city center. The museum, which is divided into Lower and Upper Konaks according to its location, exhibits Turkish-Islamic works in the Lower Konak section, while objects related to the daily life of the people of Antalya during the Ottoman Period are exhibited with animations in the Upper Konak section. On the first floor of the Lower Konak section, in addition to works discovered in the excavations carried out in Kaleiçi, ceramic pieces from the Seljuk Period, when the Aspendos Theater was used as a palace, are exhibited. Among the Ottoman works, there are pieces produced by the ceramic centers of the period such as İznik, Kütahya and Çanakkale, and handmade glass products. The second floor is dedicated to Ottoman Period weapons, other daily use objects and examples of calligraphy. In the Upper Konak, where animations take up an important place, domestic life in Antalya during the Ottoman Period is presented in different rooms and with items specific to the period. Again, the Yörük life, which has an important place in Antalya culture, comes to life with animations. Inscriptions, cannons with cannonballs and gravestones belonging to the Seljuk and Ottoman Periods are pieces that can be seen in the gardens of the mansions. How to get there: Easily accessible from Kaleiçi. Fee: Entrance to Karatay Madrasah is free.
Things to Consider: Photography inside the museum may be limited.

4. Marina
Kaleiçi Marina, built in the Hellenistic Period, is a semicircular natural harbor. The entrance to the harbor is 110 meters wide. It is thought that the breakwaters were probably built on the remains of walls built in the Hellenistic Period. In the past, there were bastions on each side of the harbor entrance, and it is thought that one of them served as a lighthouse. In 1472, the Papal Navy erected the Papal Coat of Arms on the breakwater bastions and took the chain stretched between the bastions as a trophy on its return to ensure the safety of the city.

How to get there You can walk from Kaleiçi.
Fee: free.
Things to Consider Walk carefully in the Marina and do not throw waste into the sea.

5. Hadrian’s Gate
Hadrian’s Gate or Three Gates is a monumental triumphal arch built on the city walls surrounding the city in 130 in honor of the visit of Roman Emperor Hadrian to Antalya. It consists of three arched gates with four marble columns on each side and two towers on their sides. The upper floor of the gate has not survived to the present day. The lower floor of the gate, which was unearthed in 1882, was restored to its original condition in 1959 after undergoing a major restoration.

How to get there You can walk from Kaleiçi.

Fee: free.
Things to watch out for: Walk carefully when passing through Hadrian’s Gate.

6. Fluted Minaret
Fluted Minaret (Antalya Ulu Mosque[1]) is one of the first Islamic structures in Antalya. It is a Seljuk work from the 13th century. Its base is made of cut stone. The body is made of brick and turquoise tiles. It has 8 grooves. The minaret has become the symbol of Antalya today. It is 38 meters high and can be reached with a 90-step staircase. It is called “Yivli Minaret” because of its grooves.

How to Get There It is located in Kaleiçi, and can be reached on foot.
Fee: It can be visited for free.
SteepThings to Consider: Be respectful of historical sites and preserve structures.

7. Kesik Minaret
Kesik Minaret Mosque is a mosque located in the Kaleiçi district of Antalya, southern Turkey, and is also known as Kırık Minare Mosque, Korkut Mosque or Cumanın Mosque. slen Built as a Roman temple in the 2nd century AD, the structure was converted into a Byzantine church in honor of the Virgin Mary in the 7th century, but was severely damaged during the Arab invasions in the 7th century. It was repaired again in the 9th century. The church was converted into a mosque when the Anatolian Seljuk State captured Antalya in the early 13th century, and its main minaret was added. In 1361, when the Crusader king of Cyprus captured Antalya from the Seljuks, it became a church again, to be converted into a mosque again during the rule of Prince Korkut. The main building of the mosque was destroyed in a fire, and the minaret has existed as Kesik Minaret since the 1800s. During the renovation in 2019, the upper cone and balconies, which had been missing for 123 years, were restored.

How to Get There It is located in Kaleiçi, and can be reached on foot.

Fee: Free to visit.

Things to Consider: Be respectful in historical areas and protect the structures.

8. Antalya Archaeological Museum
Antalya Museum was founded in 1922 by Süleyman Fikri Erten in order to protect the works saved from the looting of the occupying forces that came to the region after World War I. First located in the Alaaddin Mosque in Kaleiçi and later in the Yivli Mosque, the Museum moved to its current building in 1972. Today, Antalya Museum consists of 14 exhibition halls, open-air galleries and gardens where sculptures and various works are exhibited in an area of ​​30 thousand square meters. A significant part of the three ancient cultural regions of Lycia, Pamphylia and Pisidia, located within the borders of Antalya Region, falls within the responsibility area of ​​Antalya Museum. Antalya Museum is an archaeology and history museum and can also be described as a regional museum. Most of the works in the collection were obtained from excavations carried out in the region. In the halls, you can see the works exhibited chronologically and according to their subjects, reflecting the thousands of years of history of Antalya. Antalya Museum is considered one of the most important museums in the world, especially with the Roman Period works found in Perge and the interesting and unique findings from the museum rescue excavations. The museum was awarded the “Museum of the Year by the Council of Europe” award in 1988.

How to get there: It can be reached by bus or taxi from the city center.

Fee: There is an entrance fee of 340 TL.

Things to watch out for: Avoid touching the works and maintain silence.

9. Konyaaltı Beach
Konyaaltı Beach is one of the two important beaches of Antalya, along with Lara Beach. It is located west of the city center, on the Mediterranean coast of Konyaaltı district. The 7 km long beach, which extends from the Konyaaltı Variant where the cliffs retreat to the Antalya port in the southwest of the Antalya Travertine Plateau, the world’s largest freshwater travertine, is Konyaaltı Beach. The 4.5 km long and 70 m wide part of this pebble beach is a public beach with a blue flag.

How to get there: You can reach it by bus or private vehicle from the city center.

Fee: There are paid and free sections on the beach.

10. Aspendos Ancient Theater
Aspendos or Belkıs is an ancient city famous for its ancient theater located in the Belkıs village in the Serik district of Antalya province. Aspendos was founded by the Achaeans in the 10th century BC, 8 kilometers east of the Serik district, where the Köprüçayı reaches the plain from the mountainous region, and is one of the prosperous and rich cities of the ancient period. The theater here was built by the Romans in the 2nd century AD. The city was built on two hills, one large and one small.
How to Get There You can reach the city center by bus or private vehicle. The most important structure of Aspendos is its theater. It is an open-air theater that has been preserved in the best way among ancient theaters. This theater is the oldest and most solid example of Roman theaters in Anatolia that has survived to the present day with its stage. Its architect is Zenon, the son of Theodorus of Aspendos. Construction began during the reign of Antonius Pius and was completed during the reign of Marcus Aurelius (138-164). The theater was presented to the local gods of the city and the imperial family.

Fee: Entrance fee 340 TL.
Things to Watch Out for: The walking paths in Aspendos can be slippery, be careful.

11. Perge Side and Termessos Ancient Cities
Perge is an ancient city located within the borders of the Aksu district, 18 km east of Antalya, and was once the capital of the Pamphylia Region. The acropolis in the city is thought to have been founded during the Bronze Age. During the Hellenistic period, the city was considered one of the richest and most beautiful cities in the ancient world. Side is a neighborhood in the Manavgat district of Antalya province. The name “Side” means “Pomegranate” in the Anatolian language. This feature and the information obtained from some inscriptions in the document show that the history of Side dates back to the Hittites.

However, it is also said that Side, one of the oldest settlements in Anatolia, was founded before the 7th century BC. Side went through the same stages as other Pamphylian cities in Anatolian history. The Greeks came to Side during the migrations in the 7th century BC. According to the inscriptions at hand, they spoke a language specific to the city until the 3rd century BC. This language, which is still not fully deciphered, is an Indo-European language. Side came under the rule of the Lydians in the first half of the 6th century BC and the Persians in 547-546 BC. The city, which developed under Persian rule, was surrendered to Alexander in 334 BC. Termessos is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Turkey. It is located 30 kilometers northwest of Antalya, on the Korkuteli road. It was built on a natural platform southwest of Güllük Mountain, at an average altitude of 1,150 meters above sea level. It is hidden among many wild plants and bordered by dense pine forests. Termessos has a different and impressive atmosphere than other ancient cities with its peaceful and untouched appearance. Due to its natural and historical riches, the city has been included in the national park that bears its name.

How to get there: It can be reached by private tour companies or private vehicles.

Fee: There is an entrance fee of 200 TL for Perge, 350 TL for Side, 70 TL for Termessos.
Things to watch out for: Be careful in archaeological areas and protect the environment.

12. Olympos, Phasalis, Demre, Myra and Kekova
The ancient city of Olympos is a Lycian settlement located 10 km north of Tahtalı Mountain in the Kumluca District in the west of Antalya. It is a holiday neighborhood preferred by university students and backpackers, protected as a protected area because it is a breeding ground for Caretta Caretta turtles, 85.7 km away from Antalya. Phaselis is an ancient Greek and Roman city in Lycia. It is located near today’s Kemer district. Phaselis, besides its historical features, serves as a sea tourism area with its beaches. Myra (Demre) has always been known as one of the most important cities of Lycia. The earliest coins date back to the 3rd century BC. However, it is estimated that the city was founded at least in the 5th century BC. During the Roman rule, Myra developed and became rich, and the city’s inhabitants generously provided financial support to civil projects. The ancient city of Myra, located in and around the present-day Demre district center, was founded on the plain of the same name. The city was connected to the sea by a convenient canal on the west of the Myros River (Demre Stream). The region’s sea transportation and trade were carried out from the Andriake (Çayağzı) Port on the other side of the canal. The ancient city of Myra is especially famous for its Lycian Period rock tombs, Roman Period theater and Byzantine Period St. Nicholas Church (Santa Claus). Kekova (in Lycian: Dolichiste) is a small, rocky island off the coast of Kaleköy and Üçağız near the Demre district of Antalya province. It is often referred to as “Kakava” in sources. Although it has a surface area of ​​4.5 km², no one lives on this island. The part with guesthouses and cafes and accessible by boats is Kaleköy, which is connected to the mainland, on the opposite shore of the island.

How to get there: You can rent a car from Antalya city center or with tour companies.

Fee: Olympos 90 TL, Phasalis 220 TL, Demre 90 TL, Myra 30 TL, Kekova 90 TL.
Things to watch out for: Take care to preserve natural and historical beauties.

13. Kurşunlu Waterfall
Kurşunlu Waterfall is a waterfall that can be reached by turning left at the 24th km of the Antalya-Isparta highway and continuing for 7 km. The water falls from a height of 18 meters into Kurşunlu Waterfall and connects 7 small ponds with small waterfalls. Kurşunlu Waterfall is located in a 2-kilometer canyon.

How to get there You can reach it by bus or private vehicle from the city center.

Fee: There is an entrance fee of around 30 TL.
Things to watch out for: Be careful while walking around the waterfall and protect the natural life.

14. Düden Waterfall
Düden Waterfall is approximately 10 kilometers away from Antalya city center. It takes its source from Kepez Hydroelectric Power Plant and emerges to the surface at a point called Düdenbaşı. It splits into two branches along the Düden River. The branch, which is approximately 7 kilometers away from Antalya, is Lower Düden (or Karpuzkaldıran Waterfall) and the branch, which is 1 km away from Varsak, is Upper Düden Waterfall. Both waterfalls flow into the Mediterranean. Lower Duden Waterfall is 8 kilometers from the city center near Lara. This section flows into the sea from approximately 40-meter cliffs. Very close to the Gençlik Park and Karpuzkaldıran Military Facilities.

How to get there: It can be reached by bus or private vehicle from the city center.

Fee: There is an entrance fee of around 20 TL.
Things to watch out for: Be careful while walking around the waterfall and protect the natural life.

15. Manavgat Waterfall
Manavgat Waterfall is a waterfall located on the Manavgat River in the Manavgat district of Antalya. It is 72 km from Antalya. It is 3 km north of the Manavgat district.

The waterfall, which is located in the zey and takes its name from this district, is formed by the river waters falling from a 3-4 m cliff. Although it falls from a low height, it flows with a high flow rate over a wide area. In addition, the karstic Dumanlı source, which is the largest of the sources feeding the Manavgat River, remained in the dam lake after the Oymapınar Dam was built. How to Get There It can be reached from the city center by bus or private vehicle.

How to Get There: It can be reached from the city center by bus or private vehicle.

Fee: There is an entrance fee of around 20 TL.
Things to Consider: Be careful while walking around the waterfall and protect the natural life.