Kaleici, in central Antalya, Turkey, combines old and new. It's like going back when you walk into this historic neighbourhood. Every cobblestone street and building marvel tells a story of a different time. The impressive Clock Tower stands tall, a quiet watchtower that shows how much time has passed since Grand Vizier Sait Pasha built it in 1901. The Tekeli Mehmet Pasha Mosque is close by and has a beautiful, peaceful style showing the city's rich cultural history.
As people walk through Kaleici, they will see red-tiled houses turned into small hotels, art galleries, and cute cafes, blending the old and the new seamlessly. Every turn shows a new treat, from the lively colours of the local markets to the peaceful beauty of the courtyards that are hidden away. Visiting Kaleici to see the ruins or eat great Turkish food in charming eateries will be a magical experience you will never forget.
Highlights
• Watch the beautiful Ottoman house and the very hard-to-understand 1901 alarm clock with the view of Antalya.
• Get stunned by the mosque’s domes built in the 1600s and elaborate embellishments that will transport you.
• Be impressed by the Seljuk architecture and majesty of this Antalya monument.
• Learn about its history, unique fluted tower covered in dark blue ceramic tiles, and the splendid view from the top.
• See the items and relics from the 1400s in this interesting museum that will tell you about the many cultures that have lived in Antalya.
How To Reach
By Car: By car, the Old City Marina is about 1.5 km from Kaleici. The seaside road will take about 5 minutes.
By Bus: Take a bus to Kaleici Antalya Otogar station, 700 metres from Kaleici.
By Tram: Unfortunately, Kaleici has no direct tram line. You can, however, take the tram to the closest stop and then walk or take a short cab ride to Kaleici.
By Foot: From the Old City Marina to Kaleici, walk 20 minutes along the shore.
Best Time To Visit
Enjoy Kaleici's timeless charm year-round. Spring and autumn are less crowded, weekdays are quieter, and mornings are excellent for wandering while enjoying the Mediterranean sunset.
Year-round opening: Kaleici is open to guests all year.
Best season: Spring and autumn have fewer visitors.
Best day in the week: Avoid weekend crowds by visiting during the week.
Best time of the day: Mornings are great for touring, and Mediterranean Sea sunsets are beautiful.
Other Essential Information
- Visit Kaleici early in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy its charming streets and historic sites.
- Walking on the ancient town's cobblestones requires comfortable shoes so that you can then look around painlessly.
- Attending church requires following local customs, so before entering these hallowed places, dress properly and remove your shoes.
- Water and sun protection are essential in extreme heat, hence bring lots of water and sunscreen to stay cool and safe.
- Talking to locals will help you obtain insider recommendations and be shown hidden gems to make your trip more exciting than visiting tourist spots.
Clock Tower
In the middle of Kaleici, the Clock Tower stands tall and proud. It is a timeless watchtower that does more than tell time. As people climb to the top, they can see a wide view of Kaleici, including the complicated web of streets and roofs below. You can hear the historic bell's resonant chime at the very top. Its echoes have been heard throughout, linking the present with the past in a beautiful tune.
Tekeli Mehmet Pasha Mosque
If you walk into the Tekeli Mehmet Pasha Mosque, time seems to have stopped because of the beautiful building and calm atmosphere. This holy place has been around for hundreds of years and shows how time has passed. Its intricate designs and tall domes speak volumes about the craftsmanship of those times. As people look at the intricate designs on the walls and ceilings, they are taken to a place where art, history, and faith all come together perfectly.
Yivli Minaret
The Yivli Minaret stands against Antalya's skyline as a timeless reminder of the city's rich history and building skills. The mountain rises majestically into the sky, and its shape stands out against the blue background, calling photographers and fans to record its beauty forever. As the sun goes down and the minaret is painted golden, tourists are treated to a breathtakingly beautiful show that shows why Antalya's skyline is so appealing.
The Yivli Minare Mosque
The Yivli Minare Mosque, which used to be a simple church, now symbolises the city's rich cultural history. It has tiles on the walls with patterns that look like they were made long ago. People feel like they've gone back in time when they walk in. Prayers are going on, and stories about the past are told in the holy room. In this peaceful setting, it's hard not to be amazed at how the mosque has changed, which shows how people can adapt and keep going even when things get hard.
The Mevlevihane Museum
Antalya has a lot of cultural past that you can learn about at the Mevlevihane Museum. The items and relics in the museum show you a part of the city's long and interesting history. Every exhibit, from old artefacts to complex works of art, tells a story of a different time and place, inviting people to a journey of discovery and exploration. As they walk through the museum, people learn more about the beliefs, practices, and customs that have made Antalya what it is today.
