subject: Main Attractions In Antalya [print this page] Antalya is the capital of Antalya Province in Southwestern Turkey. Mountains surround the city, which is located on coastal cliffs in the southern sections of the Anatolia Peninsula. The Antalya gulf borders the Toros Mountains on the North-East and the Bey Mountain group on the West.
There are many places of interest that you can visit and many activities that you can take part in during your stay in Antalya. Here are some of them.
Old Antalya
At the heart of the modern city is Old Antalya, or Kaleici. This little place has a rich history, having been a Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk Turkish and Ottoman Turkish town at different periods. The old houses were built very close to one another, so much so that the narrow lanes tend to get overshadowed. Kaleici also has massive stone walls and meandering streets that will provide a change from the modern cities you are used to. Old Antalya surrounds the old Roman harbor that gave rise to the city in the first place. If you want to enjoy a meal in an old-time atmosphere, there are several inns, pensions and boutique hotels that you can visit.
In order to preserve the legacy of Kaleici, there are strict regulations on building new houses. Although you can enter the Old town at various places, the best one is Kalekapisi.
Old Harbor
The Old Harbor is a small bay whose breakwaters were erected during the Seljuks' reign. The bay, which is surrounded by cliffs, presently serves as a marina, where various yachts and small boat services are carried out. The surrounding areas have been restored, and there are a number of restaurants, cafes, shops, pubs and discos that provide an old-time atmosphere.
Clock Tower
Although there used to be 80 towers in Antalya, the Clock Tower is the only one remaining. What the tower was used for is not exactly known. It is believed that it was either a mausoleum or lighthouse that was built in the second century.
Caves of Antalya
There are a number of caves in the city that you can visit, which include:
Altinbesik Dudensu Cave
Beldibi Cave
Damlatas Cave
Karain Cave
Kocain Cave
Each of these caves has a special appeal that makes it unique.
Archeological Museum
This is among the most significant museums in the whole of Turkey. Although the museum largely houses items from the Antalya region, you will also find monuments from the neighboring regions. There are several sections in the museum, namely:
Section of Nature History
Section of Prehistory
Section of the Small Foundings
Hall of the Gods
Section of Emperors
Hall of Sarcophaguses
Hall of Mosaics
The Hall of Icons
Section of Numismatics
Hall of Perge
The Open Air Exhibition
The Sections of Ethnography and Turkish Islamic Monuments
Hadrianus Gate
This imposing gate, having three extended archways, was dedicated to Emperor Hadrianus of Rome. On both sides of the gate and points corresponding to the arches' rear sections are three Korinth style columns. Lentos joins all the columns to the main structure.
