Kaleiçi is the historical center of Antalya, a beautiful port city on the Mediterranean Sea, which has a rich history dating back to Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire.
Kaleiçi is located in the Muratpasha region and is a part surrounded by walls from the sea and land side of this region. Kaleiçi has narrow cobbled streets where you can admire Ottoman-era houses, many of which have been restored and converted into small hotels.
What makes Kaleiçi one of the most popular centers is the decorative villas, each with unique doors and windows, outdoor restaurants, souvenir shops, nightlife and a tranquil marina.
Before Antalya became one of the best summer resorts in Turkey, it was the ancient city of Attalia, founded in the Hellenistic period.
Until the 1950s, the word Antalya meant only one part of today’s city – Kaleici.
The name “Kaleichi” literally means “inside the castle”, which gives a hint of how the city is enclosed within its own walls.
This region contained the Kingdom of Pergamon, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods respectively.
You can get to the Old Town of Kaleiçi on foot, by city bus, or by taking a taxi to the main square of Kale Kapisa, which stands out thanks to the clock tower built during the reign of the Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II and the statue of King Attalus II of Pergamum, who founded the city of Attalia around 150 BC. From there, you can enter the Old City by walking along Uzun Charshi Sokak street, opposite the clock tower.
Hadrian’s Gate is one of the well-preserved structures in Antalya. The gate was built in 130 AD in the name of the Roman emperor Hadrian and, since it was not used for a long time, has remained intact to this day.
On the south-western corner of the fortress walls of Kaleichi, the Hydyrlyk Tower is located. It was built in the 17th century for the purpose of defense and then as a lighthouse. The tower is located next to the Karaalioglu Park, which covers an area of 140,000 square meters. Nearby you can see ice cream kiosks, as well as many cafes and restaurants where you can stop and enjoy the views of the mountains and the coast.
The Antalya Clock Tower was built in 1901 during the reign of the Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II. The clock face can be seen from all four sides of the 14-meter tower, and on top of the oldest part of the tower is a bell.
The Yivli Seljuk Minaret is the symbol of the city of Antalya. Located in the heart of the city, this 40-metre-high minaret was restored in 1955 but still retains many of its historical characteristics, such as blue tile decorations.
Iskele Mosque is a small mosque with four pillars, which was built in the 19th century near Kirk Merdiven and the marina.
Kaleiçi Port is one of the most historical places in Antalya, which played an important role during the Byzantine period as one of the most popular port cities in the Mediterranean.
Every day, sightseeing yachts depart from the Kaleiçi pier to places such as Konyaalti Beach, Falezler, Kaltiajak and others. The boat stops at several places and allows you to enjoy sailing on the high seas.
Panoramic elevator was opened in Kaleiçi in 2014. It greatly facilitated access for all visitors to the port from the main street in the Old City. From here you can enjoy the picturesque views and take great pictures.
In addition to visiting the main sights of Kaleiçi, you can also just walk along the narrow streets, admire the houses of the Ottoman era, many of which have been restored and turned into boutique hotels. One of the historic houses also houses the Suna-Inan Kirach Kaleichi Museum dedicated to ethnography, as well as an Orthodox church in a beautiful garden. You can also shop in one of the many shops selling souvenirs, refresh yourself in a cozy cafe or walk to Karaalioglu Park, accompanied by a huge, colorful view of a magnificent sunset.
