Hadrian’s Gate
Hadrian’s Gate
Antalya
Antalya's history dates back to the 2nd century BC. Having undergone occupations by the Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman empires, Antalya still retains some millennia-old historical sites in its old town. It's a moderately large city in southern Turkey, with a population of only one million, but it attracts numerous tourists, over ten million annually, as it's a popular holiday destination for Europeans. Located on the Mediterranean coast, Antalya boasts a long, vibrant beach and is Turkey's largest seaside resort. It's bustling, and the city boasts numerous large shopping malls, perfect for exploring Turkey's more luxurious world.
Unlike many of Turkey's more famous cities, Antalya offers a leisurely stroll through the town, rather than rushing to see all the historical sites. In Antalya, with its surprising and captivating Mediterranean charm, you can unwind, unwind, and enjoy the slow pace of a vacation. For busy modern people, simply enjoying a slow life is a true luxury!
After a few hours in Side, we continued on to Antalya. We had planned to visit the renowned Aspendos Theater, but we were tired and had already seen so many theaters, so we skipped it and headed straight to Antalya. Our guesthouse was in the old town, so driving in required a checkpoint similar to a community entrance. The community was large, but the roads were incredibly narrow, and it took some effort to find the Sibel Hotel.
After settling in, it was time for dinner. We found a seafood restaurant called Balikci Meyhanesi Kaleici. Our landlord also recommended it, so it must be delicious! We also took some photos on the way to the restaurant.
Balikci Meyhanesi Kaleici Restaurent
This is a very special seafood appetizer. It is really something I have never seen before.
Fresh fish from the Aegean Sea grilled to perfection
This dessert was specially introduced by the waiter. It is made by cooking dried figs with a special sauce and adding ice cream. It is a perfect combination and tastes so good that it is truly a delicacy.
The deserted streets in the morning highlight the tranquility of the ancient city.
The old city walls, neatly arranged floor tiles, and modern graffiti create a unique atmosphere of coexistence of modern and classical styles.
Hadrian's Gate
Hadrian's Gate, or The Three Gates as it's known in Turkish, is a triumphal arch built in honor of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. It commemorated his visit to Antalya in 130 AD. Don't miss the original Roman pavement beneath the central arch, where you can see the erosion left by carts. Imagine gazing from this gate at something that has stood in the same place for thousands of years, dating back to the 2nd century AD.
Yivliminare Mosque
Antalya's most distinctive landmark is the Yivli Minaret Mosque. Completed in 1230, its distinctive tower structure is composed of eight columns and six semi-circular roofs. It is one of the oldest domed mosques in Anatolia.
The old town is not very large, but it has a very beautiful bay port and a winding rocky coastline, which forms a unique landscape. There are many sightseeing ships in the port, providing tourists with a glimpse of the Mediterranean style.
The double sheep horns on the towering city wall next to the Ocean Park are very unique.
This time the B&B is a bit old. Because it is in the ancient city, the building is antique. The room is a bit small but the bathroom is very large. The Turkish breakfast in the morning is also in the quiet and elegant backyard. It is very peaceful and elegant.