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Kaleici

Old towns ·Antalya
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#2Old towns in TurkeyTravelers' Choice 2026
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About

Kaleici, meaning Inner Castle, is Antalya's old town in Turkey, inside ancient walls above the old harbour.

More photos 2

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Kaleici — View across Kaleici rooftops toward the Yivli Minaret Tanya Dedyukhina · CC BY 3.0 · edited
Kaleici — View across Kaleici rooftops toward the Yivli MinaretKaleici — Traditional Kaleici streetfront with a travel shop and pub

Why go

  • About 3,000 traditional houses with red-tiled roofs, many restored to their original form

Don't miss

  • Hadrian's Gate (Üçkapılar)A Roman-era entrance into the old city.The entrance into the old city. On the map
  • Yivli MinaretThe best-known historic mosque in the old town, seen as a symbol of Antalya.Inside Kaleici. On the map
  • Tekeli Mehmet Paşa MosqueOne of the old town's landmarks, alongside the Yivli Minaret and Hıdırlık Tower.Inside Kaleici. On the map
  • Ancient harbour breakwaterParts of the ancient harbour breakwater and fortifications survive.The old harbour, now a yacht marina. On the map
  • Hıdırlık TowerOne of the old town's landmarks, alongside the Kesik Minare and İskele Mosque.In the old town. On the map

Photo spots

  • Hadrian's Gate (Üçkapılar)Frame the gate from outside the walls, with the gate in the foreground.At the gate itself, at the entrance to the old town. On the map
  • Yivli MinaretPhotograph the minaret from the narrow streets of the old town.In the narrow streets of the old town. On the map
  • Hıdırlık TowerPhotograph the tower from the old harbour.The old harbour, now a yacht marina. On the map

Tips for your visit

  • Its old houses also show visitors how people lived, their traditions and social life.
  • Many houses have been restored faithfully to their original form.

Interesting facts2

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  1. Its scenic setting has long inspired writers and artists.

    Kaleiçi - Wikipedia

  2. The ancient harbour is now a modern yacht marina and remains a focal point.

    Kaleiçi - Wikipedia

Shorts

History

Kaleici's name means 'Inner Castle', and it was once part of the ancient city of Attaleia. Over the following centuries the area took on Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman influences, which still shape its architecture and culture.

  1. 2nd century BCEAttalus II Philadelphus founds the ancient city of Attaleia.
  2. 133 BCEAfter the Pergamon Kingdom collapses, the city is briefly independent, then falls to pirates.
  3. 77 BCEServilius Isauricus brings the city into the Roman Republic.
  4. 67 BCEPompey uses the city as a naval base.
  5. 130 CEEmperor Hadrian visits the city and helps shape its urban and architectural development.
Show all
  1. Byzantine periodThe city becomes a bishopric centre.
  2. 1972The inner harbour and the old town are placed under protection as a SİT zone for their original fabric.
  3. 1984The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism receives the Golden Apple award from FIJET for restoration work.

Accessibility

  • Streets Narrow and mostly uphill from the harbour toward the outer walls.

Sources: Kaleiçi - Wikipedia · Antalya - Wikivoyage (eat) · Kaleiçi, Muratpaşa - Wikipedia · checked 19 Oct 2026

Where
Antalya

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Questions and answers

Where is Kaleici in Antalya?

Kaleici is the old town of Antalya, on the Mediterranean coast. Its old harbour, below the walls, is now a yacht marina.

What should I see in Kaleici?

Hadrian's Gate (Üçkapılar), the Yivli Minaret, Hıdırlık Tower, Kesik Minare, İskele Mosque and Tekeli Mehmet Paşa Mosque are among the sights. Parts of the ancient harbour breakwater also survive.

Is it easy to walk around Kaleici?

The streets are narrow and cobbled. Most of them run uphill from the harbour toward the outer walls, so expect uphill walking.

Do people still live in Kaleici?

Yes. The old town is a residential neighbourhood as well as a major attraction for heritage visitors. About 3,000 traditional houses with red-tiled roofs stand in the district.

Where can I buy souvenirs in Kaleici?

The shops in Kaleici sell souvenirs and antique carpets. Hotels, guesthouses, restaurants and bars also fill the old town today.

Is the old town of Kaleici protected?

Yes. In 1972 the inner harbour and the old town were placed under protection as a SİT zone for their original fabric.

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