Discover the Most Iconic Ancient Jewels of Antalya
Antalya is a captivating city with a very rich and interesting history; there is a large number of sightseeing attractions to discover here, including old cities, ruins and archaeological sites, some dating back thousands of years. It’s a history lover’s paradise! Brightsun offers great value Atlanta flights from UK, so you could be visiting this charming city soon enough. We have listed Antalya’s most impressive ancient landmarks below, which will take you back in time to a bygone era and make for incredible photo opportunities.
Hadrian’s Gate
Hadrian’s Gate is an iconic landmark of Antalya. It serves as one of the main gateways to the city’s old town of Kaleici, dating all the way back to 130 AD when it was built to commemorate Roman Emperor Hadrian’s visit. This well-preserved monument features three beautiful triumphant arches constructed with white marble, as well as two towers dating back to separate dynasties, decorative sculptures and intricate ceiling carvings.
Termessos
A short drive from the city takes you to Termessos, a beautifully preserved archaeological site set at an altitude of 1000m, nestled over the Taurus Mountains. This old Pisidian city dates back to 333 BC, when Alexander the Great failed to conquer it. Termessos is protected in the heart of the Güllük Dagi-Termessos National Park, and these historical ruins include interesting stone structures, defence walls, rock tombs, temples and a Roman amphitheatre with alluring vistas.
Yivli Minaret & Mosque
The Yivli Minaret is definitely the most recognisable and symbolic landmark in Antalya, which was constructed by the Seljuk sultan Alaeddin Keykubad with traditional Anatolian Turkish architecture and dark blue tilework. The ancient multi-domed mosque adjacent to this minaret is also beautifully created and features a unique rectangular shape. The original mosque in this spot dates back to 1230 when it was built with old church ruins, and it has since been rebuilt and restored.
Perge Ancient City
Less than a 30 minute drive from Antalya is Perge Ancient City - one of the region’s most significant settlements which has been home to a number of ancient civilisations. The city is famous for being the location where St. Paul started his journey and preached his first ever sermon. There are many interesting archaeological remains to explore here, including city walls, Roman baths, a theatre, stadium, towers, temples, fountains and Greek/Roman gates.
Alanya Kalesi
Alanya Kalesi is a stunning fortress dating back to the 13th century, when it was built by Sultan Alaaddin Keykubad. These spectacular Seljuk ruins are perched atop a rocky peninsular, with extensive views over the city and Mediterranean Sea. The walls of the castle stretch over 6km and enclosed are captivating structures such as a palace, a mosque and a Byzantine church. Alanya Kalesi now serves as an open air museum, allowing to you to learn about the monument’s rich history.
Secure Atlanta flights offers and look forward to the ultimate sightseeing trip in this charming historic city.
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