Natural, Culturel and Historical places to visit in Antalya
With its deep blue sea, sun, golden beaches, ancient cities and Yörük
carpets, Antalya, the pearl of Mediterranean, is a city for which Atatürk said
“Undountedly the most beautiful city in the World”
The city founded by Attalos II, a Pergamon King, remanined independent
following the breakup of the kingdom and then was captured by the pirates.
This city, which came under the control of the Bizantine and became a
bishopric center, made progress after it was conqured by the Turks.
Antalya that embraces the holiday lovers not only with its blue and green
colors but also its history, will give you enjoyable moments with its
waterfalls, ancient cities, beaches and museums.
Here are the reasons…
Kaleiçi (Old Town)
Kaleiçi (Old Town) is a place where you will have to use your camera
uninterruptedly as you stroll through its narrow streets. It dates back to the
Hellenistic Period, the 4th century. It reminds you of a small colorful open air
museum with its baths, old houses, monuments, harbour, places of
entertainment, small hotels, carpet&souvenir shops and walls that have
survived to the present. If Nikolay Gogol, the Russian Novelist, had seen the old
town, we wonder how how he would have described it.
Antalya Clock Tower
The Clock Tower built for Abdülhamit II, in 1901 was given Abdülhamit as a gift
in memory of the 25th anniversary of his ascending to the throne. The tower,
which is 14 m high from the ground level, now operates through an electrical
mechanism.
Hadrian Gate
The three-arched Hadrian Gate, also locally known as the Three Gates, was
built in the name of Hadrianus, The Roman Emperor, who travelled a lot, for his
visit to the city.
Broken Minaret
The Broken Minaret, which has a long history, was first built as a temple in the
2nd century AD.In later periods, it was converted into a church in the 6th
century and then into a mosque in the 13th century. In 2019 an upper cone
was added to the minaret which was damaged in a fire in 1986 and which has
been known as the Broken Minaret up to today.
Karaalioğlu Park
The park, which was built in 1940’s by Halim İşcan, the governor of the time
and whose name changed a couple of times, is a green spot with a view where
foreign and local tourist groups don’t avoid stopping by when they arrive in the
city center. Watching the Beydagları and Konyaalti Beach from the park where
there are cafes is a wonderful experience.
Murat Paşa Mosque
The mosque, that is within the borders of Muratpaşa district, bears the traces
of the Selcuk art, though it was built in the Ottoman era. Particularly its minber
(pulpit) is remarkable.
Fluted Minaret
Fluted Minaret, which was built as a symbol of victory and became a symbol of
Antalya, is a Selcuk work of art and was erected in the 13th century. Its base is
cut-stone and its height is 38 m.
Hıdırlık Tower
The tower, which is believed to have been built in the 2nd century, is 14 m
high. It is estimated to have been used as a watch tower and sealight house as
well as used in communication and defence.
Karain Cave
The cave, which gives us some important archeological information thanks to
its plant and animal remains, is believed to have been existent for half a million
years. Karain Cave, one of our country’s most natural caves, is about 30 km
away from Antalya.
Düden Waterfalls
The waterfall, that is believed to have been a place where Alexandar The Great
stopped for his horses to drink water, is a place to go for those who get
exhausted from heat. The waterfall surrounded by picnic areas is a popular
place for both local and also foreign tourists.
Antalya Museum
Antalya museum, one of country’s largest museums, was built to protect the
ancient works of art. It covers an area of 30,000 square meters.
Antalya Atatürk’s House Museum
The two-storey mansion used by Atatürk during his visits to Antalya was
converted into a mansion in 1986 in memory of Atatürk. A visit to the museum
is free of charge.
Antalya Toy Museum
About 3000 toys are available in the museum that was opened in 2011, 23rd
April. The museum, one of Europe’s most outstanding toy museums, is in
Kaleiçi Yat Limanı (Old Town Yatch Harbour). It appeals not only to the children,
but also to the adults.
Suna kIıraç & İnan Kıraç Kaleiçi Museum
The museum that was opened in 1996 and that serves as a private museum
now, represents Turkish culture.
Lara Beach
Lara Beach, that lies 10 km to the east of Kaleiçi (Old Town), is a beach that
consists of gentle waves, dark sand and small pebbels. Big part of the beach is
taken up by shops that provide sunbeds, umbrellas, food&beverage, shower
and some entertainment. The beach is home to 4 and 5 star hotels that are the
replicas of world wide famous locations.
Saklıkent Ski Center
Is it the sun only? Of course, not. A place where you can ski on Beydağları, 50
km away from Antalya. Does “two seasons in a day” sound good?
Aspendos
Aspendos, that lies 48 km to the east of Antalya, was built in the 2nd century
during the time of Emperor Marcus Aurelius and is now famous for its theatre
that has survived to the present. The theatre is large enough to hold 15, 000
people and still used for festivals and plays.
Termessos Ancient City
This ancient city that lies within the borders of Güllük Mountaion National
Park is known for not surrendering during a besiege by Alexander The Great.
Romans agreed that the city could make and enforce its own law during the
Roman era. Don’t forget to visit this city at the peak.
Xanthos Ancient City
The city of Xanthos, which is the city of those who were involved in the
Trojan War according to Homeros, is on the World Heritage List. Many
works of art were taken to London from this ancient city.
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