360VR guide: For many people, a visit to Antalya means lazing on Konyaalti beach or around a hotel pool but scratch a little below the surface of this city and you’ll find a history spanning 1000’s of years – for example, Hadrian’s Gate, Antalya | 360VR.
Hadrian’s Gate (Hadrian Kale Kapısı in Turkish), lies around four miles from the popular beach area and forms part of the boundary between Antalya Old Town (Antalya Kaleiçi) and the more modern city.
If you’re in Antalya, take a day out to explore Hadrian’s Gate, Kaleiçi and the ancient Antalya harbour. You could even visit the huge Mark Antalya Shopping Centre (just 15 minute’s walk from the gate). Scroll down for more.
Where to stay in Antalya – the best range of accommodation at the best price
We’ve teamed up with the accommodation specialists, Booking.com, to bring you the best deals on accommodation in Antalya.
Check for the best flight deals to Antalya
Find the best prices on flights direct from your nearest airport using the form below. Note, if results aren’t showing your closest airport, just follow the link for more options.
Hadrian’s Gate was built in the year 130 to commemorate a visit by the Roman Emperor Hadrian to the city of Antalya (former name Attaleia). The Gate used to form part of the city walls which surrounded the Old Town and Harbour.
The original gate (the central archway) was built to Hadrian, with the left arch (as seen in the picture below) being added later – still during the Roman era. The arch on the right was added during the reign of the Seljuk sultan Alaeddin Keykubat I, probably in the first half of the thirteenth century AD. For a full history of the architectural history of the Gate, click here.
Hadrian’s Gate was discovered in 1817 by the British explorer, Francis Beaufort, who documented it during his travels around Asia Minor.
Today, Hadrian’s Gate stands around 8m and is popular with tourists day or night. It is a short walk from the Old Town of Kaleiçi and is easily accessible from the new city by following the main road Atatürk Boulevard. It is possible to walk through any of the three archways as there is a surprising lack of security or wardens to watch over the monument. Also, during a visit in 2019, it was possible to walk on the original stone path, complete with deep grooves in the rock carved by carts passing under the archway. Apparently, this is normally covered with perspex.
The popular Mark Antalya shopping centre is nearby (around 15 minutes on foot) while the Old Town offers relaxing bars and restaurants. There is also a wide choice of accommodation available in the Old Town or you could take the very short walk to Umbrella Street to enjoy an excellent, local meal.
Most of the streets through the Old Town naturally drop down towards the ancient harbour area – where you will also find the best views at sundown. Of course, you could use Googlemaps or similar to find your way around but, really, it’s quite enjoyable getting lost in the labyrinth of narrow streets. As a rule, if the road is going down, you’ll probably find yourself near the harbour soon enough.
The area at the edge of the Old Town is popular with locals and tourists alike for watching the summer sun drop behind the Torus mountains in the distance and is well worth a visit if you time it right. Perhaps even talk a short walk into the Karaalioglu Park, on the outer Southern edge of the Old Town.
Nearby, you will also find the Hidirlik Tower, poised just above the harbour, at the edge of the Old Town. Another perfect spot for watching the fiery sunsets. Afterward, head back into the Old Town for a wide range of entertainment in the cosmopolitan bars and clubs. Of particular note is the Otantik Bavarian bar – on the main street from the gate into the Old Town where you’ll find a range of local and international beers, live entertainment and extremely friendly staff.
Essentials
Price – Free day and night
Facilities – There are multiple bars and restaurants nearby – and one bar directly behind the Gate on the Kaleiçi. Check out the street traders in the Old Town or take the short walk to the huge Mark Antalya shopping centre.
Security & safety – you may feel slightly intimidated by the busy narrow streets but I personally didn’t see any trouble, even after a month of staying in this area. Just be sensible with your belongings and keep more valuable items close to your person. The gate and Old town are the sorts of places that possibly would attract pickpockets – but this applies to any popular tourist attraction. Also, police frequently patrol the narrow streets on motorbikes.
Night-time – Hadrian’s Gate is illuminated
Getting there
Where: Hadrian’s Castle Gate (Hadrian Kale Kapısı)
Find other epic things to see and do in Antalya
From whitewater rafting to cable car rides and excursions to ancient ruins, Antalya’s rich history and diversity of activities mean you’ll never be bored on holiday here. Click below for a full list of things to do in and around Antalya or check out more summer guides and winter guides on the iRide website
The best accommodation in Antalya Old Town
We’ve teamed up with the accommodation specialists, Booking.com, to bring you the best deals on accommodation in Antalya Old Town (Kaleiçi).
360VR images
Hadrian’s Gate in Antalya 360VR Virtual Reality view from the Old Town
Underneath the central archway of Hadrian’s Gate in Antalya 360VR Virtual Reality
Side view of Hadrian’s Gate in Antalya 360VR Virtual Reality view from the Old Town
Side view of Hadrian’s Gate in Antalya 360VR Virtual Reality view from the Old Town
