Kaleiçi

Kaleiçi is a historic settlement area located in the city center of Antalya, Türkiye, that has been continuously inhabited since antiquity. Encircled by horseshoe-shaped walls, this area bears traces from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods. It is a significant center reflecting Antalya’s historical and cultural development through both its urban fabric and the monumental structures it contains. In 1972, Kaleiçi was declared a SİT area, and in 1984, following restoration work carried out by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, it was awarded the FIJET Golden Apple Tourism Award.

Kaleiçi (AA)

History and Foundation

The city of Attaleia, within which Kaleiçi is situated, was founded in the 2nd century BCE by King Attalus II of Pergamon. After the Pergamon Kingdom ended in 133 BCE, the city remained independent for a time before falling into the hands of pirates and being incorporated into Roman territory in 77 BCE by the Roman commander Servilius Isauricus. The city served as a base for Pompey’s fleet in 67 BCE and continued to develop after its visit by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in 130 CE. During the Byzantine period, Attaleia became a bishopric center and continued to flourish after the Turkish conquest.

City Walls and Urban Fabric

Kaleiçi is surrounded by inner and outer walls that, despite much of their original structure being ruined, have preserved their essential character. These walls are a collective product of the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods. Around 80 towers are located along the walls, and ancient inscribed stone blocks have been incorporated into the masonry. The settlement pattern of Kaleiçi consists of two distinct areas: an organic layout and a grid plan. Traditional houses were constructed as two- or three-story buildings opening onto streets and courtyards. These dwellings offer important insights into the lifestyle, traditions, and architectural understanding of the region.

Kaleiçi (Türkiye Culture Portal)

Building Stock and Monumental Works

In addition to 456 examples of civil architecture, Kaleiçi contains 85 monumental structures, six mosques, three madrasas, four tombs, five bathhouses, 56 towers, and various wall remnants. Major monumental structures include the Hadrianus Gate (Three Gates), Hıdırlık Tower, Şehzade Korkut Mosque (Kesik Minare), Yivli Minare and its külliye, Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev Madrasa, Mevlevihane, Zincirkıran Tomb, and Nigar Hatun Tomb.

Ancient Harbor and Touristic Transformation

The ancient harbor of Kaleiçi is now used as a marina. Ancient sources indicate that this harbor was known as Korykos and served as a pirate port. Located within a natural bay, the harbor is notable for its appearance surrounded by cliffs and walls. In modern times, the area around the harbor has been developed with restaurants, cafes, guesthouses, and hotels to serve tourism.

Kaleiçi (Türkiye Culture Portal)

Protection Status and Restoration Efforts

Kaleiçi was declared a SİT area in 1972 by the High Council for Immovable Monuments and Antiquities. In 1984, following restoration work conducted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, it was awarded the FIJET Golden Apple Tourism Award. These efforts aimed to preserve the historical fabric of the area and integrate it into cultural tourism.

Kaleiçi Today

Today, Kaleiçi is a settlement area where the historic residential fabric has been preserved and where tourist and cultural functions coexist. Buildings have been converted to serve accommodation, dining, arts and culture, and entertainment purposes; the area also hosts shops selling handicrafts and regional products. Listed on UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List, Kaleiçi continues to be a destination for tourists both day and night.

Kaleiçi (Ministry of Culture and Tourism)