Antalya

Aspendus, an ancient city of Pamphylia, is located 44 kms away from Antalya city center amidst the Eurymedon River in southern Turkey. This magnificent city is famous for its spectacular and one of the best preserved Roman Theater in the world. The glorious Roman Theater was built during the golden age of Aspendos, during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (161–80 AD), and was used during the 13th century as a caravanserai by the Seljuks.Today, after several restoration, this theater has become a venue again and hosts operas, various concerts, events like the Antalya Film Festival and the annual Aspendos Opera and Ballet Film Festival. The atmosphere around the ancient relics and ruins of roman era with the sounds of acoustics is totally surreal and attracts hundreds of tourists every year. Apart from the famous Roman Theater, there are a lot of structures and ruins worth visiting. When you arrive at Aspendos City, take the marble street to the right of the entrance to the theatre. It continues to the East Aspendos Gate, beyond the remains of the Stadium. The marble street passes under an archway, and the ingenious drainage scheme of Aspendos is still evident at some points. Apart from the intriguing aqueducts, a portion of the basilica, the Nymphaeum, the ruins of the market hall and the Bouleuterion are the largest still standing buildings in Aspendos.

Perge, a magnificent ancient city amidst the rivers Catarrhactes and Cestrus, is located 15kms east of the beautiful Antalya, Turkey. Dating as far back as the Bronze Age, it is believed that the city was originally settled by Hittites around 1500 B.C. Invaded by Alexander the Great, Perge`s glorious and splendid architecture is a living proof of Hellenistic Period. Soon after, it was followed by Roman Imperial Period for the first three centuries A.D. Ancient Perge is known for the fact that Saint Paul preached his first sermon here in 46 A.D. before embarking on his journeys. That is why it became an important city for the expansion Christians and Christianity during Byzantine period. All the remains of these ancient eras can be seen in the city. The Greco-Roman Theater with fine marble reliefs and Stadium of Perge that could seat over 12000 people were excavated in 1946, are some of Perge’s best preserved sites. A Hellenistic-Roman gate-towers flanked by ruined towers are also most photographed and visited sites in perge because of their unique appearance and historic importance. You can pass between the massive antique gates and stroll down the ruins of colonnaded boulevard to a nymphaeum to explore the ancient glory of Perge. Explore the history and beauty of perge and experience this archaeological paradise along the routes followed by Alexander the Great.

The Yivli Minaret mosque is eight-centuries old and is the symbol of Antalya, the tourism capital of southern Turkey. Many foreign architecture enthusiasts and local tourists visit this grooved minaret as it epitomizes Turkish Anatolian architectural design like no other. Built by Anatolian Seljuk Sultan Kayqubad I, the mosque is one of the most visited historical monuments in Antalya province. The mosque is known for its grooved minaret representing a specific type of Anatolian Turkish Architecture. One of the best examples of the domed mosque culture of Anatolia, the mosque was equipped with an excellent cooling and heating system built according to conditions back then. This particular system of heating and cooling is distinctive mainly because it preserves the heat inside the wall of the window. Water flowing under the Minare, through the tunnels provides warmth in winter and coolness in the summers. The Yivli Minare Mosque attracts massive attention from the people also because it is used as the city’s logo and Antalyaspor’s (football team) emblem. Besides Yivli Minare being a well-known world symbol, it is known to have an extraordinary atmosphere that influences people to convert into Islam. Although travelers may read up an inscription at the Minaret’s entrance that illustrates how Mehmet Bey built the mosque in 1373. But, originally the mosque was built in the year 1230. It was built putting an old church’s ruined walls into use. The Sultan of the Seljuks, ruling between 1220 -1237, named Alaaddin Kykubad ordered the construction of this mosque. Later, The General Directorate of Museums and Cultural Heritage ordered restoration works on the minaret during 1953 and 1961, while the spire got renovated in 1973.

Kaleici, the ancient historical city of Attalia, which has seen the Hellenistic & Roman eras, is one of the prominent tourist places to visit in Antalya. The massive restoration work has transformed the city into a series of painted, red-tiled mansions featuring boutique hotels, art galleries, gift shops, and restaurants. The 14 m high Clock Tower with the clock dial on all four sides, built by Grand Vizier Sait Pasha in 1901, is a sight to behold. The stunning interior work of the Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Mosque leaves visitors astonished. The boat ride from Kaleici marina takes visitors to other places like Konyaalti Beach, Falezler, etc. The Mermerli beach allows visitors to enjoy swimming or soak in the sun. Location: Selçuk, Uzun Çarşı Sk., Muratpaşa /Antalya, Turkey.Best Time to Visit: Antalya experiences hot, arid summers and damp, humid winters. Summer is the peak season for Kaleici. Sunseekers and beach lovers throng the place in the summertime. March to May (spring season) and September to November (autumn) is also preferred. For visitors, who prefer fewer crowds, spring is the best time. Winter is the least preferred time to visit Kaleici.

There are many tourist destinations, but the Museum is one of the places to visit in Antalya2 to enjoy and learn from the past. The Antalya Museum is spread over an extensive area of 30,000 sq. ft. with 13 capacious halls, an open-air art gallery, laboratories, repair shops, administrative offices, living quarters, and a cafeteria. The halls are categorized and named based on the type of artifacts displayed as Prehistory Hall, Sarcophagus Hall, Icons Hall, Emperors and Gods Hall, Hall of Coins, Children’s section, etc. Tooth & Skeleton of Neanderthal human beings, ceramic art pieces from 12th B.c – 3rd B.C., figurines of Zeus and other Gods, Portrait Statues of Roman Emperors, mosaics & icons of Antalya, ethnographic art pieces, and children’s toys and ancient money boxes leave visitors dazed and gratified. Location: Bahçelievler, Konyaaltı Cd. No:88, Muratpaşa /Antalya, TurkeyEntry Fee: The entry fee is TRY 20 (Rs. 236.16) per person.Timing: Open on all days - Summers (April –Oct): 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.- Winters (Nov-March): 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Best Time to Visit: The most preferred time to visit Antalya Museum is between 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Among the many tourist spots, one of the archeologically prominent places to see in Antalya is the Karain Cave. Karain Cave is situated on the incline of Sam Dagi Mountain, at a height of 390 m above the sea level. The entrance to the cave is about 50 m above the plain at the base of the hill. On the way to the cave, visitors can visit a small museum, located at the base of the hill, which displays some remains like animal bones & teeth. From the museum, visitors are required to trek the steep path for 10 minutes to reach the cave. Inside the cave, visitors will come across 3 capacious chambers and many small rooms separated by the calcite wall, but interconnected by slender and snaking corridors. The protruding stalactites and stalagmites in the interior chambers appear like the teeth of a monster. Skull and skeletal remains of homo-sapiens from Paleolithic and Neolithic ages were excavated from this site. Tools like flint blades, arrowheads, etc from Neolithic periods, animal bones of the cave bear, elephant, rhinoceros, and hippopotamus were found in the excavation. Most of these relics are exhibited in the Antalya Museum. Therefore, a trip to Karain Cave followed by Antalya Museum helps understand the importance of this cave. Location: Yagca, Antalya Merkez/Antalya, TurkeyEntry Fee: Admission Fee- TRY 5 (Rs. 60)Timing: Open 24 X 7- April – October: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.- November – March: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Best Time to Visit: Less variation in temperature, sufficient airflow inside the cave, and a protective cover over the head from rains, etc make it suitable to visit all round the year.

The Old Harbor with its serene blue waters, busy bazaars, pretty cafes and imposing Roman fortress nearby, is one of the places to visit in Antalya4. The gently bobbing yachts and the shining Mediterranean Sea invite visitors to go on sightseeing or take a swim in the cool waters. It may sound incredible but the same Old Harbor was once the main port and a major economic hub between the 2nd century & mid-20th century, which brought trade and prosperity to the region. Tourists can walk into the restaurants and gratify their senses with delicious foods or buy souvenirs from the local curio shops. They can take a stroll and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere.Location: Varyant Sk., Selçuk Mh., Muratpaşa/Antalya, TurkeyEntry Fee: Free Timing: Open all daysBest Time to Visit: Summer season is the preferred time as visitors can enjoy taking a swim or laze around the harbor.

Roman Fortress (aka Hidirlik Tower) is situated on a cliff at the southern tip of the Karaalioglu Park, where land converges with the water. The 14 m high (46 ft) cylindrical tower over the square pedestal functioned as a fort or watchtower guiding ships to navigate to the port at nights. Today, it serves as an incredible spot to watch the captivating sunsets or bewitching bird’s view of the blue waters and the Old Harbor area. The park and the adjacent eateries gratify the mind and stomach of the visitors with their scenic beauty and delicious food. Not only visitors, but even the locals frequent this place to relax and saunter in the evenings.Location: Karaalioglu Park, Antalya, TurkeyEntry Fee: No entry feeTiming: Open 24 x 7Best Time to Visit: Visitors can visit the Roman Fortress round the year.