Because of the archaeological and natural wealth of the
area, Antalya is also known as the Turkish Riviera. The
sun, sea, nature and history combine to form a very popular
resort, highlighted by some of the cleanest beaches in the
Mediterranean. The 630km shoreline of the province is liberally
scattered with ancient cities, harbors, memorial tombs and
beaches, secluded coves and lush forests, many of which
are easily accessible from the city.
Antalya
With its palm-lined boulevard, internationally-acclaimed
marina, and old castle with traditional architecture, all
set amidst a modern city, Antalya is a major tourist centre
in Turkey. In addition to the wide selection of hotels,
restaurants, bars, nightclubs and shops, the city also plays
host to a number of sporting events throughout the year,
like International Beach Volleyball, triathlon, golf tournaments,
archery, tennis and canoeing competitions. The Cultural
Centre, which opened in 1995, hosts cultural and art events
in the fields of music, theatre, and creative arts. The
main area of interest in the city is central old quarter
within the Roman walls, known as Kaleici, and there are
many good museums.
The award-winning Antalya Kaleici Marina and Leisure Centre
is considered one of the loveliest marinas in Turkey. This
center can well meet every tourist's need with its many
souvenir shops, friendly cafes and restaurants as well as
yacht moorings and services. Sail in the morning and enjoy
the restful peace of the marina in the afternoon. The old
city walls, lit at night, lend an atmosphere of serenity
and timelessness. The Archaeological Museum, with remains
from the Paleolithic Age to Ottoman times, offers a glimpse
of the area's rich history.
Antalya also hosts various international fairs.
Kaleici
Today the historical old city of Antalya known as Kaleici
(the inner castle) is surrounded by two walls, most of which
have fallen down. The inner wall encloses the harbour in
a semicircle. As a result of restoration, Kaleici has turned
into a major tourist centre with guest-houses, bars, shops
and restaurants, and the Roman harbour has been turned into
a modern, well-equipped marina. As a result of the restoration
work, the Ministry of Tourism was awarded the Golden Apple
(Tourism Oscar) in April 1984 by FIJET.
Antalya Museum
Founded in 1922 by Suleyman Fikri Erten and housed first
in the Alaaddin Mosque in the old city and then in the Yivli
Minaret, the museum was later moved to its current location
2 km further east. The museum consists of 12 exhibition
rooms and its gardens and open galleries. In these halls
the history of Antalya is given in chronological order,
starting with fossils, through the Stone and Bronze ages,
then through the classical and Hellenistic periods. There
are mosaics, the Gallery of the Gods, Phrygian ornaments,
and a room with Christian art that includes pieces of the
skull and jawbone of St Nicholas, the original Santa Claus.
The ethnography section has a collection of Iznik ceramics,
household implements and weapons.
The City Walls
What remains today are a few bastions inside the city as
well as Hadrian's Gate and its towers, the large tower facing
the harbour and a few pieces of the harbour walls. One of
the walls surrounds the yacht harbour and the other the
city, almost like horseshoe. One of the remaining towers
in the Castle Gate Square is now used as a clock tower.
There are four gates in the city walls, which form entrances
to the city.
Hadrian's Gate
The only city gate to have survived until the present day
is the most attractive of the Pamphylia: Uckapilar (Three
Gates), also known as Hadrian's Gate, which is guarded by
one tower on either side. Built to honour the emperor Hadrian's
visit to the city in 130 AD, the whole gate, except for
the columns, is made of pure white marble. The reliefs and
carvings are extraordinary.
Old Houses of Antalya
With its hot summers and mild winters, the houses in Antalya
are designed to provide protection not against the chill
of winter but against the merciless heat of summer. The
stone overhangs and courtyards help provide air circulation.
The houses in Antalya can be divided into three types based
upon the design of the main hall, which also serves as a
storage area. The three types are I halls, L halls and U
halls. In the design of these houses, great attention was
paid to meeting the necessities of daily life, while also
providing harmony with nature and the environment.
Mosques and Tombs
Important mosques in the area are Yivli Minaret Complex,
Kesik Minaret Camii, Bali Bey Camii, Muratpasa Camii, Iskele
Camii, Karatay Medrese, and Ahi Yusuf Camii and Tomb.
Beaches
Kumluca and the many coves between Antalya and Finike are
home to some of the most famous holiday resorts in Turkey,
like Kemer, Camyuva, Belek, Cirali and Adrasan. Closer to
the city, Konyaalti is 3 km west of the city, and Lara beach
is 10 km east and well connected by dolmus. |
