Kaleiçi Old Town, Old town in Antalya, Turkey
Kaleiçi Old Town is the historic old town district of Antalya, Turkey, enclosed by ancient city walls and set on cliffs above the Mediterranean Sea. Its narrow, cobbled lanes run between Ottoman-era houses with wooden balconies and red-tiled roofs, leading down to a small harbor at the base of the cliffs.
The area was founded in the 2nd century BC by King Attalos II of Pergamon, who built its first port, and it later passed through Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman rule. Each period left visible marks, from Roman gates and Byzantine foundations to Seljuk minarets and Ottoman timber houses.
Many of the old stone houses throughout the district have been turned into small guesthouses, cafes, and shops selling pottery, textiles, and handcrafted items. Around the harbor, visitors and locals sit side by side at outdoor tables, watching boats come and go over tea or fresh seafood.
The district is best explored on foot, as most lanes are too narrow for vehicles, and sturdy shoes are a good idea on the uneven cobblestones. A glass elevator connects the upper town to the harbor at the base of the cliffs, which can help if the steep descent feels too demanding.
The Kesik Minare, whose name means "broken minaret," served as a Roman temple, then a church, and then a mosque over the course of its long history. Traces of each phase are still visible in the stonework if you look closely at the walls.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
