Hadrians Gate Antalya

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

A prosperous port, Attaleia was surrounded by thick stone walls as a defensive way, pierced by several gates that could be closed and sealed in order to avoid attacks from invaders or pirates.

The biggest of these, and the only one survived all ages, is Hadrians Gate, a monumental triple arched portal modeled on the Roman triumphal arch.

Hadrians Gate was constructed in 130 AD to commemorate Emperor Hadrians visit to the city. Pay special attention to the coffered ceiling in the arches, the decorative marble columns between the arches on both sides. At one time, Emperor Hadrian and his family statues were probably decorated the top of the gate, but these are lost long time ago.

Also note the deep grooves in the stone pavement beneath the central arch, carved by the wheels of thousands of horse carts passing in and out of the old city over the centuries. The grooves are so deep and also treacherous to pedestrians, that many walkers choose to go around and through the left or right arch rather than risk an injury.

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 was rebuilt in time of Seljuk Turks by Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat the first (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 Kaleici (Old Antalya) and Hesapci Sokak, with its several pensions and nice boutique hotels. From there you can walk all the way down to Roman Harbor.

Check the list of Kaleici Hotels for accommodation options.