Hadrian's Gate, Antalya, Turkey

Founded by, and named for, a king of Pergamum named Attalus, Attaleia (Antalya) became a Roman city upon the death of the last Pergamene king.

A prosperous port, Attaleia was surrounded by thick defensive stone walls pierced by several gates that could be closed and sealed in case of attack from pirates or invaders.

The grandest of these, and the only one surviving, is Hadrian's Gate Hadriyanüs Kapisi), a monumental triple-arched portal modeled on the Roman triumphal arch.

Hadrian's Gate was constructed in 130 AD to commemorate Emperor Hadrian's visit to the city. Note the coffered ceiling in the arches, the decorative marble columns between the arches on both sides. At one time, statues of Emperor Hadrian and his family probably decorated the top of the gate, but these are long gone.

Note also the deep grooves in the stone pavement beneath the central arch, carved by the wheels of thousands of carts passing in and out of the city over the centuries. The grooves are so deep—and treacherous to pedestrians—that many walkers choose to go around and through the left or right arch rather than risk a twisted ankle in the central arch.

The massive, crenellated stone towers framing the gate date from different periods. The southern tower, on the left as you view the gate from the boulevard, is Roman, with a carved stone plaque set in it as proof. The north tower (right) was rebuilt in Seljuk Turkish times by Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat I (1219-1238), as attested by a plaque set in it. The inscription is in old Turkish, written in the Arabic script.

The gate is still in use...as a gate! It leads into Kaleiçi (Old Antalya) and Hesapçi Sokak, with its several pensions and boutique hotels.

The pleasant, shady park on the east (boulevard) side of the gate is a favorite sitting and chatting spot for city residents. An itinerant çayci (Turkish tea waiter) circulates regularly bringing the nation's favorite beverage to anyone who needs its calming and invigorating properties.

Kaleiçi (Old Antalya)

Kalekapisi

What to See & Do in Antalya

Half-day & Full-day City Tours

Antalya Hotels

Antalya Restaurants

Antalya Transport

Antalya Homepage

Mediterranean Turkey

Where to Go

Above, the eastern façade of Hadrian's Gate in Antalya, Turkey.
Below, the western façade.