Hadrian's Gate

Hadrian's Gate is one of Antalya's most significant historical landmarks, and it's impossible to roam through the city without passing by it. The gate was initially constructed in 130 AD to honor the Roman Emperor Hadrian's visit to Attaleia, as Antalya was then called.

It should come as no surprise that this historic building serves as one of the primary entrances to Kaleiçi, the city's stunning historic district. The gate, which was referred to as Hadriyanüs Kaps in Turkish, was a portion of the city's outer fortifications and after it was finished, it served as a significant entrance. Regarding the gate's architectural features, the two towers on either side date from various eras.

While the northern tower is connected to the Seljuk sultan Alaeddin Keykubat I, who ruled in the first part of the 13th century AD, with a suitable inscription in Arabic script, the southern tower, which was built separately from the gate, is from the Roman era. You'll see that the southern tower, also known as the Tower of Julia Sancta, stands out from the other one and is identified by a stone inscription that confirms the construction date is quite old.

• Architecture: 

Hadrian's Gate is a classic Roman triumphal arch, measuring around eight meters from the ancient pavement to the very top of the gate's entablature. It contains three identically sized archways. You can observe the exquisitely decorated facades of the front and back of the gate, which are each built of four columns and are constructed of white marble, except for the column shafts, which are made of granite.

The very top of the gate has an impressive entablature that extends to both sides and is 1.28 meters high. It has a frieze with floral decorations and an elaborate cornice that, among other things, features lion heads. Last but not least, the barrel vaults that are built into the archways are highly ornate as well, with caissons that have unique floral designs and rosettes on each one.

Hadrian's Gate wasn't exposed and renovated until the 1950s, which is amazing considering what a stunning structure it truly is. It connects to the old town of Antalya's historic homes, eateries, and charming stores, making it one of the city's most significant landmarks today. A cool lemonade at one of the cafés in the shade with a wonderful view of the city and the sea is a must-do while visiting Antalya in the summer, which is about a 10-minute walk from Hadrian's Gate.