Places to Visit in Antalya

Antalya, the Pearl of the Mediterranean

Located on the southern coast of Turkey, on the deep blue Mediterranean coast, Antalya is known as a unique destination that attracts history, nature, and sea lovers.

This beautiful city is famous for its stunning beaches sprinkled in the sun, rich historical heritage, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Antalya has many features in attracting and fascinating tourists throughout the year.

Taking a look at Antalya's rich history helps us better understand the past of this city.

History of Antalya

Antalya appears on the stage of history as a city founded by Attalos II and meaning "Land of Attalos".

With the end of the Kingdom of Pergamon in 133 BC, the city, which remained independent for a short time, later came under the control of pirates.

It was annexed to Rome by Commander Servilius Isauricus in 77 BC and became a base for Pompey's fleet in 67 BC.

Hadrian's visit to Attaleia in 130 A.D. sparked the city's development.

Attaleia, which was the episcopal center during the Byzantine period, made a great development under the rule of the Turks.

Although ancient ruins are not common, one of the striking ruins in Antalya is Hadrian's Gate, which has been restored.

The city of Antalya and its surroundings belonged to Pamphylia, which means ‘’very fertile’’ in ancient times, and Lycia in the west.

From the VIII century BC, those who migrated from the western shores of the Aegean Sea shaped this region by establishing cities such as Aspendos and Side.

When King Attalos II of Pergamon could not besiege Side in the middle of the II century AD, he came to the place where Antalya is now and founded a new city and named this city Attaleia.

Over time, names such as Atalia and Adalya were also made.

Archaeological excavations revealed that people lived in Antalya and its surroundings 40 thousand years ago.

Since 2000 BC, the region has come   under the rule of city-states such as Hittite, Pamphylia, Lycia, Cilicia, and Persia, Antigonos, Ptolemais, Seleucus, and the Kingdom of Pergamon, the successor of Alexander the Great.

The Roman State then dominated the region.

The name of Antalya in ancient times was Pamphylia, and in the II and III centuries, especially the cities experienced their golden age.  

However, towards the V century, it lost its former glory.

While the East was under the rule of Rome and Byzantium, Antalya was annexed to the Turkish lands by the Seljuks in 1207.

During the Anatolian Principalities period, it came under the rule of the Teke Tribe.

During the time of the Ottomans, Antalya served as the center of the Teke sanjak.

In the second half of the seventeenth century, the famous Ottoman traveler Evliya Celebi stated that Antalya had four neighborhoods and three thousand houses inside the castle and 24 neighborhoods outside the castle.

Its port was large enough to accommodate 200 pieces of ships.

In the last years of the Ottoman Empire, Antalya was made an administratively independent sanjak.

Places to Visit in Antalya

• Antalya Castle

Antalya, which Italian sailors call "Satalia" and Turks call "Antalia" and   "Adalia", is one of the oldest settlements in Anatolia  and has been under the rule of great civilizations such as Lydia, Persia and Rome throughout history.

Antalya stands out not only with its historical riches but also with its natural beauties.

The " inside the castle" region, which is famous for its social life that continues especially in summer and winter, draws attention as an intense activity center.

"Antalya Castle", which protected the city against the dangers that may come from the sea and land in the establishment of Antalya, is not only a social area today, but also an important historical texture that attracts great attention from history researchers, architects and archaeologists.

For those who want to collect beautiful memories and those who want to capture unique frames for photographers, Antalya Castle offers a unique route.  

This city, combined with its historical and natural beauties, offers visitors an unforgettable experience.

• Castle Intra

Kaleici is a historical district located in the city of Antalya as a touristically important area located on the southern coast of Turkey.

Located in the center of Antalya, Castle Intra is a key point that reflects the city's history, culture, and natural beauties.

It is home to a rich history dating back thousands of years and has been used as a settlement, especially since the Ancient Roman period.

The city has been home to different governments and civilizations throughout history.

During the Hellenistic period, it belonged to the Kingdom of Pergamon, then to the Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire.

For this reason, Castle Intra has been under the influence of many civilizations in various periods, incorporating different cultural elements and shaping its current appearance.

• Hadrian's Gate

Hadrian's Gate is located on the walls surrounding the Ancient Harbor in Castle Intra, the historical district of Antalya.  

It was built in 130 AD to commemorate the arrival of the Roman Emperor Hadrian in Antalya.

This monumental structure, known as the ‘’Three Gates’’, is one of the symbols of Antalya.

The gate, which was closed for defense purposes during the Byzantine Period, was reopened in 1881.

During the restoration in 1959, white marble columns were added to match the original.

Its architectural features resemble the triumphal arches of the Roman Period.

Statues of emperors and dynasties may have been found in the upper part, which has not survived to the present day.

Four marble columns on both sides of the door, eye-catching carved decorations and symmetrical design attract attention.

The Julia Sancta Tower in the south belongs to the Roman Period, and the tower in the north belongs to the Seljuk period.

The gate, which also has a Latin inscription, is an ideal point to enter the magical atmosphere of Antalya on one of the modern streets.

Hadrian's Gate, known as the most spectacular gate in Pamphylia, offers a journey intertwined with history.

• Grooved Minaret & Grooved Mosque

Yivli Minaret, Seljuk Sultan 1. It is part of the Alaaddin Mosque built by Alaeddin Keykubad in 1230.

This building is located in Antalya's Castle Gate.

The Grooved Minaret, which draws attention with its 38-meter height and impressive architecture, is a striking symbol at first glance.

Brick and Khorasan mortar were used in the construction of the Grooved Minaret.

The body of the minaret is decorated with bricks and turquoise tiles.

The Grooved Minaret takes its name from the grooves of its thick body, which is designed in a segmented and eight-semi-cylindrical shape.

On all sides of the body, there are inscriptions of Allah and Muhammad, decorated with turquoise and dark blue tiles, but these inscriptions have been destroyed over time.

The Grooved Minaret Mosque, located to the west of the Grooved Minaret, draws attention with its unique form in Anatolian Turkish Architecture.

Built in 1372 by Balaban Tavsi, the mosque is considered the oldest example of a multi-domed mosque with six hemispherical domes.

It served as a museum with its courtyard until 1972.

It is located in a complex that contains many Seljuk works such as  the Grooved Minaret and Grooved Mosque, the Grooved Minaret Bath, the Giyaseddin Keyhusrev Madrasa, the Seljuk Madrasa, the Mevlevihane, the Chainbreaker Mehmed Bey Tomb and the Nigar Hatun Tomb.  

• Incision Minaret Mosque

The Kesik Minaret Mosque is a mosque located in the Castle Intra region of Antalya, southern Turkey, also known as the Broken Minaret Mosque, Korkut Mosque or Friday's Mosque.

The building, which was built as a Roman temple in the 2nd century AD,

In the 7th century, it was converted into a Byzantine church in honor of the Virgin Mary, but in the 7th century it was badly damaged during the Arab invasions.

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 took Antalya from the Seljuks, it became a church again, to be converted into a mosque during the rule of Prince Korkut.

The main building of the mosque was destroyed in a fire, and since the 1800s the minaret has existed as the Kesik Minaret.

During the renovation in 2019, the upper cone and cheers balconies, which had been missing for 123 years, were restored.

• Karaalioglu Park

Karaalioglu Park, which reveals the Bey Mountains rising in Antalya City Center and its surroundings, is one of the largest parks in the city.

This park, which is the product of a project initiated by the governor of the time, Hasim İscan, during the Second World War, is a place preferred  by the people of Antalya to relax and breathe, especially on hot summer days, with its colorful flowers and atmosphere covered with shady pine and palm trees.

It is also home to 54 different bird species, attracting nature lovers.

Karaalioglu Park is very advantageous due to its location.

Its proximity to Castle Intra, Castle Intra Marina, and Bar Street provides visitors with easy access to historical and touristic areas.  

The park is located on the cliffs, offering an impressive view of the Mediterranean Sea, giving visitors an unforgettable experience.

In the peaceful and calm atmosphere of the park, you can enjoy nature accompanied by the sounds of birds while wandering among the greenery.

The events organized in the summer months give visitors pleasant moments.

If you are in the center of Antalya, visiting Karaalioglu Park is an excellent option to get away from city life, be in touch with nature and spend time in a peaceful atmosphere.

• Hidirlik Tower

Located in a position overlooking the magnificent view of the Bey Mountains, the Hidirlik Tower was built on the walls of the historical Castle Intra.

It is located in the southwest corner of the city walls, adjacent to Karaalioglu Park, on the entrance road to Castle Intra.

This tower, which is considered a perfect meeting point of the sea and history on the magical coastline of Antalya, is one of the important structures of the Castle Intra region.

In addition to offering visitors a historical journey, the Hidirlik Tower also reveals the magnificent view of Antalya.

2nd century AD. Built in the Roman period in the 19th century, the tower has a square base and a round body.

Standing out with its stonework, Hidirlik Tower reflects the historical texture of Antalya with its silhouette. 

The terrace on the upper floor gives visitors the chance to look at both the sea view and the narrow streets of Castle Intra from a wide angle.

The Hidirlik Tower undertook the task of protecting the city by monitoring the maritime activities in Rome and later periods.

The fact that it is located at a point overlooking the historical port has allowed it to fulfill this duty effectively.

Reflecting the historical texture of Antalya, this important building offers a unique experience to visitors.

You can take a pleasant break in the scenic areas around the Hidirlik Tower and enjoy the magnificent sea view.

• Antalya Clock Tower

Antalya Clock Tower is an important work reflecting Ottoman architecture and was built at the beginning of the 20th century, in 1901, by Grand Vizier Small Said Pasha to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Abdulhamid II's accession to the throne.

Thanks to the fact that the Clock Tower is made of cut stone, its architectural features have survived to the present day without deteriorating.

Antalya Clock Tower is located in the center of Antalya, in the east of the area formerly known as "Kapuagzi" and now called "Castle Gate".

On the top floor of the Clock Tower, there is an original handmade wrought-iron clock mechanism.

However, it was replaced by an electronic watch in 1974 by Antalya's famous watchmaker Ali Rıza Suduran.

With this update, the watch, which was installed weekly in the past and needed constant maintenance, has been modernized with a completely electronic arrangement.

Antalya Clock Tower stands out not only with its architectural beauties, but also as a symbol that has become the symbol of Antalya.

This historical building, which is recommended to be included in the list of Places to Visit in Antalya, emphasizes the cultural richness of the city.

• Castle Intra Marina

Kaleici Marina is one of the attractions of Antalya and is located extremely close to the town center, so it can be easily reached on foot.

While the marina serves as the starting point for boat tours in the area, it is also home to many restaurants, cafes, and businesses in its vicinity.

This area has been used as a natural harbor since the 4th century BC and has hosted military and trade activities throughout its history.

Castle Intra Marina has turned into a facility where boats can stay as well as its historical importance.

The port, which was actively used during the Byzantine and Seljuk periods, is now surrounded by businesses where you can take walks and sip your drinks with an impressive view  of the Mediterranean Sea.

Reminiscent of postcards, the atmosphere of the Marina offers a unique beauty.

Entrance to Castle Intra Marina is free, allowing visitors to freely explore the surrounding area.

If you want to integrate your holiday with the historical atmosphere of Castle Intra, you can choose your accommodation preference  from Castle Intra Hotels, or you can contact Airtransferlines.

• Antalya Museum of Marine Biology

The Marine Biology Museum, established by Antalya Metropolitan Municipality, aims to adopt marine culture and protect natural heritage, especially by introducing endangered sea creatures.

Like maritime museums, of which there are many examples around the world, Antalya Marine Biology Museum exhibits dried specimens of sea creatures and skeletons of larger creatures in fixative solutions without deterioration.

Located on an area of 100 m2 in Castle Intra, the museum includes 9 species of sharks, 10 species of flat sharks, 150 species of bony fish, sponges, corals, shrimp, lobsters and crabs, crustaceans, It exhibits more than 500 species of sea creatures such as octopus, squid, squid, starfish,  and sea urchins.

In addition, information is provided about endangered, endemic and Red Sea sea creatures.

The museum is closed on Mondays and is open to visitors between 09:30 and 18:30 during the summer and winter periods.

Admission is free and is designed as a venue where you can have a pleasant time with your family and groups of friends.

• Antalya Ataturk House and Museum

Ataturk House, which dates back to the beginning of the twentieth century, is a two-storey stone building, which the people of Antalya gave as a gift by cleaning and furnishing its interior in a few days upon the news that Ataturk would visit Antalya.

There is a long hall at the entrance, and to the right of the hall there is a living room, a room, a bathroom and a kitchen, and to the left are two rooms and a staircase leading to the upper floor.  

On the upper floor, apart from the hall, there are seven rooms, one of which has a balcony.

After Ataturk's death, Antalya Ataturk House was transferred to the Special Administration and in 1939 it  was used as the building  of the Evening Girls' Art School and Girls' Institute.

Transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture in 1952, the house served as the offices of the Technical Agricultural Directorate for many years.

In 1984, the house was transferred to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

However, it was demolished because it remained on the street during the implementation of the city's new zoning plan.

The same building that was destroyed was rebuilt by the Kepez Electric company with a little retreat.

In 1986, it was used as Ataturk House and Museum.

• Antalya Ethnography Museum

Antalya Ethnography Museum consists of two historical mansions from the Ottoman period and is located in the touristic area of Castle Intra.

The museum is divided into two sections, the Lower Mansion and the Upper Mansion.

Turkish-Islamic artifacts are exhibited in Lowe Mansion, and objects related to the daily life  of the people  of Antalya during the Ottoman  period are exhibited in the upper mansion, accompanied by animations.  

On the first floor of Lower Mansion, artifacts found during excavations in Castle Intra and tile fragments indicating that the Aspendos Theater was used during the Seljuk period are exhibited.

On the second floor, there are weapons, daily use objects and calligraphy examples from the Ottoman period.

With the animations in the upper mansion, home life and Yoruk life in Antalya during the Ottoman period are presented.  

Inscriptions, cannonballs and tombstones from the Seljuk and Ottoman periods can be seen in the garden of the museum.

• Antalya Mevlevihane Museum

Antalya Mevlevihane Museum, located around the Grooved Minaret and Grooved Minaret Mosque, is a two-storey masonry building.   

Mevlevihane Bath, Zincirkıran Mehmet Bey and Nigar Hatun Tombs are also part of the complex.

Although the exact construction date of the building, which does not have a construction inscription, is unknown, it is thought to belong to the Seljuk period.

The building, which was used as a Mevlevihane during the Ottoman period, was opened to visitors as the Antalya Mevlevihane Museum after the restoration works completed in 2018.

The museum contains reenactments, information boards and artifact exhibitions related to Mevlevi.

The main space, located under the dome, has a spacious atmosphere with a hexagonal light lantern.

In addition, there are showcases in the iwan where works related to Mevlevism are exhibited.

After the restoration, the Museum has become a center that keeps the historical and cultural heritage of the Mevlevihane alive.

• Castle Intra Panoramic Elevator

Antalya's Castle Intra region, which has dazzling beauties, continues to fascinate its visitors with its historical texture and impressive landscapes.

This region has many historical and natural beauties waiting to be discovered.

Among the Places to visit in Antalya Castle Intra, the Castle Intra Panoramic Elevator, built in 2014, has added a modern touch to this historical area.

Designed to facilitate access to the marina, this elevator offers visitors an unforgettable experience with stunning views.

Castle Intra Panoramic Elevator is located on the seaside of Castle Intra and is only 10 minutes away from the city center.

The elevator not only transports visitors to the historic streets quickly and easily, but also allows them to enjoy stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.

The elevator not only makes it easy to get around but also gives visitors a bird's eye view of this fascinating area.

When you reach the top of the elevator, it reveals a breathtaking panorama of the entire Castle Intra and the Gulf of Antalya.

Especially during sunset or the first rays of the sun, this view offers an unforgettable experience.

• Sandland Antalya Sand Sculpture Museum

Sandland Antalya Sand Sculpture Museum, which has been serving in Antalya since 2006,  welcomes its visitors in a large area of 10 thousand square meters.

This unique museum stands out among the most respected sand sculpture events in the world with its giant sand sculptures, the amount of sand used, its large area and the number of artists participating.

The sculptures, which are shaped by different themes every year, are presented in a wide range from mythological figures to fairy tale heroes, from sea legends to wonders of the world.

These extraordinary works, created using approximately 10 thousand tons of river sand, fascinate the audience with their width and height of meters.

Sand sculptors, working alone or in small groups, showcase their talents and imaginations with these magnificent works.

The museum hosts special events that appeal to all age groups.

Children can develop their skills by exhibiting kinetic sand in the workshop designed for them in the Magic Sand Castle.

At the same time, museum visitors can enjoy activities such as ATV Safari and water sports.

You can take a pleasant break in the cafeteria where you can watch documentaries showing the construction stages of the sculptures.

Sandland, the world' s first and only museum open every day of the year, can be visited at night thanks to its special LED lighting system.

The sculptures, which are exhibited under special lighting accompanied by light music throughout the night, offer a different atmosphere to the visitors.

Combining art and entertainment with the magic of sand, Sandland offers an unforgettable visual experience to its visitors.

• Tunektepe Cable Car and Social Facilities

Tunektepe Cable Car Facilities, which have been operating since 1993, offer a unique experience to those who want to explore the beauties of Antalya.

The property is located on the summit of Tunektepe Mountain, which bears its name, and offers a magnificent panoramic view of Antalya to its visitors.

While cruising high on the cable car, you can enjoy the stunning views of the city, the sea, the islands and the harbor.

The cable car line, which draws attention with its modern and safe design, promises visitors a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

The facility is not limited to the cable car, but also offers visitors the opportunity to explore the panoramic view of Tunektepe Mountain more closely  thanks to  the binoculars inside.

This special experience contributes to collecting unforgettable memories.

The Social Facility, located at the summit of Tunektepe at an altitude of 605, offers a vast experience.

A pleasant atmosphere is offered to visitors with services such as resting areas, restaurants and cafes.

After the cable car ride, you can relax in these social areas, meet your food and beverage needs from the rich menu and have a good time.

Tunektepe Cable Car Facilities remain an unforgettable destination for anyone who wants to explore the unique beauties of Antalya and enjoy the scenery.

• Duden Waterfall

One of the natural beauties of Antalya is Duden Waterfall.

We will examine the natural beauties of Duden Waterfall, its history, and the activities offered around it.

Duden Waterfall is located about 15 kilometers from the center of Antalya.

This waterfall is located at the point where the Duden River flows into the Mediterranean Sea and has become a popular tourist attraction for both local and foreign tourists due to its proximity to the city center.

Duden Waterfall consists of two main parts: Upper Duden Waterfall  and Lower Duden Waterfall.

The Upper Duden Waterfall is located slightly outside of the city center and is generally known for its natural beauty and serene atmosphere.

The falling waters of this waterfall flow from the high cliffs, creating a spectacular landscape.

Visitors can take a walk in this area, have a picnic, or just enjoy nature.

Lower Duden Waterfall, on the other hand, is located at the point where it meets the sea and offers a visually striking view.

This waterfall is famous for its waters that fall into the Mediterranean Sea from a large cliff.

From Antalya Center, you can easily reach Antalya Airport (AYT) and Gazipasa Airport (GZP) on time.

Transportation Options: You can easily reach Antalya Airport (AYT) and Gazipasa Airport (GZP) by using public transportation options, Municipal Buses, Metro and Tram.

Before using these lines, you should check and select the appropriate timetables for your trip on the website.

Air transfer lines: You can reach Antalya Airport (AYT) and Gazipasa Airport (GZP) comfortably and effortlessly with your Airport Transfer reservations made on the Airtransferlines website.

With Airtransferlines, it provides a comfortable, unique Airport Transfer experience with the latest model luxury vehicles.

Click www.airtransferlines.com to take advantage of the advantages of Airtransferlines, to find the right vehicle and driver for you with a wide range of transfer options, to get information about your destination or to make a reservation.

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