Visitors will always find many things to see and do in Kaleiçi or Old Town Antalya. Among the most visited are Hidirlik Tower, Hadrian's Gate, Clock Tower, Yivli Minare Mosque, Club Ally and much more. This is a historic area you must visit during your journey to Antalya. Among the above mentioned attractions you will see nice little houses, beautiful narrow and large streets. This is a list of attractions that are popular among tourists and Antalya’s friendly locals:
1) Yivli Minare Mosque
The Yivli Minare Mosque is situated in the heart of Antalya. The original mosque may have been a converted Byzantine church in 1230, though nothing remains of that structure. The current mosque dates to the 1300s. It is considered one of the oldest buildings in Antalya, and has housed two different museums in recent times.Don't leave Antalya before you visit the mosque or the tombs and medresa also on the grounds.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Ian Pitchford
2) Singing Fountain
The Antalya Singing Fountain is a rectangular pool, with a center made of refined stainless metal. With 10 water jet schemes composed of 250 water jets, the fountain can achieve a height of up to 9 meters. The fountain plays hourly and the musical selections are repeated on a regular basis, beginning with a very nice opening melody.
3) Clock Tower
The oldest structures in Kaleiçi are the remains of the city fortifications that surround this old-town area. Only the Clock Tower remains of the 80 towers that once formed this citadel. The beautiful Karaalioğlu Park surrounds this structure, which was converted to a Clock Tower in the 19th century. Overlooking the cliffs, this square structure is composed of both rough and hewn limestone.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Emre Ergin
4) Hadrian's Gate
Hadrian's Gate is an enormous triple-arched marble portal based on the Roman triumphal arch, the only surviving gate from that era. This marvelously decorated structure was built to celebrate Emperor Hadrian's visit in 130 AD. The southern tower is called Julia Sancta and also dates from the Hadrian era, though the northern gate was rebuilt in the 13th century. Through this gate you will enter into Kaleiçi and Hesapçi Sokak.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Peer Mickeluhn
5) Old Historic Bazaar (Carsi)
Antalya's old historic bazaar (carsi) is situated along Kâzim Özalp Caddesi beginning at Kalekapisi Square then going north across Atatürk Caddesi. The old market is good for old and modern jewelry, souvenirs, leather bands and shoes, a large assortment of accessories, unique handcrafted items, and more. During the hot seasons, you'd better follow the local advice and carry bottles of water to help keep you going as you explore everything.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Augapfel
6) Suna and Inan Kiraç Kaleiçi Museum
The Suna and Inan Kiraç Kaleiçi Museum, a cultural treasure in old Antalya, occupies two restored buildings: a home and a church. Wander through the home to observe the daily life of 19th century Turks, through wax figures and Ottoman artifacts. The former Greek Orthodox Church of St. George (Aya Yorgi) is now an exhibition hall that displays the Kiraç cultural and artistic collection, and also hosts concerts and cultural activities.
7) İskele Mosque
Iskele Mosque is a very small, charming mosque in the old Yacht Harbor area. Historical documents are not specific about its time of construction, except that it was renovated as part of the Inner Bailey restoration project. Situated near the marina, this eye-catching 19th century mosque was built of white stone with a short minaret and is supported by four columns.
8) Club Ally
A favorite hot spot in Antalya, Club Ally includes 9 bars, restaurants, and discos. You will surely find something that will suit your tastes at this high quality facility. Dress to impress and join the trendy crowd (though there may be a line) to dance the night away with energetic music and special effects, where the atmosphere and the good-looking staff are great.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and eamoncurry123
9) Hidirlik Tower
An Antalyan landmark at the edge of Karaalioğlu Park, Hıdırlık Tower is made with yellowish-brown stone. Atop steep cliffs overlooking the harbor, it would have been very visible to ships approaching the city. Initially built on a square plan in the Hellenistic era, the upper level is a round tower from the 2nd century. Possibly used as a defensive lookout or a lighthouse, recent evidence indicates that this monument is actually a mausoleum.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Michael Apel