Sights in Antalya
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Antalya Museum
On no account should you miss this comprehensive museum about 2km west of the centre and accessible on the tramvay (tram). The museum is large, with exhibitions in a dozen large halls that cover everything from the Stone and Bronze Ages to Byzantium, so allow sufficient time. Unmissable are the Hall of Regional Excavations, which exhibit finds from Lycian (eg Patara and Xanthos) and Pamphylian cities; the Marble Portraits Hall, with evocative busts bearing incredibly realistic expressions and emotions; and the sublime Hall of Gods.
Even those not especially interested in Greek mythology will be moved by this collection, which includes representations of some 15 Olympian go…
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Ottoman houses
Wander into Kaleiçi, now a historical zone protected from modern development. Many of the gracious old Ottoman houses have been restored, then converted to pensions, hotels, or, inevitably, carpet and souvenir shops. The northern part of Kaleiçi is the most touristy; persevere and explore the quieter backstreets abutting Karaalioğlu Parkı.
The Roman harbour at the base of the slope was restored during the 1980s and is now a marina for yachts and excursion boats. It was Antalya's lifeline from the 2nd century BC until late in the 20th century, when a new port was constructed about 12km west of the city, at the far end of Konyaaltı Plajı.
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Suna & İnan Kiraç Kaleiçi Museum
In the heart of Kaleiçi, just off Hesapçı Sokak, this small but well-formed ethnography museum is housed in a lovingly restored Antalya mansion. The 2nd floor contains a well-executed series of life-size dioramas depicting some of the most important rituals and customs of Ottoman Antalya. Much more impressive is the collection of Çanakkale and Kütahya ceramics found in the exhibition hall behind, the former Greek Orthodox church of Aya Yorgi (St George), which has been fully restored and is worth a look in itself.
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Konyaaltı Plajı
Neither of Antalya's two beaches have much to recommend them - at least not as far as silken sand nor paradise views are concerned. For a good dose of well-rounded beach culture amusement, head to Konyaaltı Plajı; it can be accessed by taking the tram to its final stop (Müze), and then walking further west and down the snaking road. Dolmuşes run from Fevzi Çakmak Caddesi to Lara Plajı, passing the aquapark.
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Yivli Minare
Antalya's symbol is the Yivli Minare, a handsome and distinctive 'fluted' minaret erected by the Seljuk sultan Aladdin Keykubad I in the early 13th century. The adjacent mosque is still in use. Within the complex is a heavily restored Mevlevi tekke (whirling dervish monastery, which probably dates from the 13th century) It now houses Güzel Sanatlar Galerisiwith changing exhibits. Next door are two türbe (tombs) from the late 14th century. The broad plaza to the west with the bombastic equestrian statue of Atatürk is Cumhuriyet Meydanı.
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Tekeli Mehmet Paşa Camii
Go down Uzun Çarşi Sokak, the street opposite the clock tower. On the left is the Tekeli Mehmet Paşa Camii, built by the Beylerbey (Governor of Governors) Tekeli Mehmet Paşa. The building was repaired extensively in 1886 and 1926. Note the beautiful Arabic inscriptions in the coloured tiles above the windows.
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Lara Plajı
Neither of Antalya's two beaches have much to recommend them - at least not as far as silken sand nor paradise views are concerned. Lara Plajı is your best bet for swimming; it's about 12km southeast of the centre.
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Korkut Camii
Korkut Camii served the neighborhood's Muslim population until 1896, when it was mostly destroyed by fire. Gates and walls prevent fire now, but it's possible to see bits of Roman and Byzantine marble from outside.
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Hıdırlık Kalesi
At the southwestern edge of Kaleiçi, on the corner with Karaalioğlu Parkı, rises the Hıdırlık Kalesi, a 14m-high tower in the ancient walls, which dates from the 1st century AD.
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Dedeman Aquapark
6km south of Antalya is the Dedeman Aquapark, said to be the largest water park in the Middle East. Dolmuşes run from Fevzi Çakmak Caddesi to Lara Plajı, passing the aquapark.
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Mevlevi tekke
Northwest of the Yivli Minare is a Mevlevi tekke, which probably dates from the 13th century; nearby are two tombs, those of Zincirkıran Mehmet Bey (built 1377) and the lady Nigar Hatun.
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Hadriyanüs Kapısı
Down Atatürk Caddesi is the monumental marble Hadriyanüs Kapısı, erected during the Roman emperor Hadrian's reign (AD 117-38). It leads into Kaleiçi.
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Karaalioğlu Parkı
Along Atatürk Caddesi towards the sea is Karaalioğlu Parkı, a large, attractive, flower-filled park good for a stroll, particularly at sunset.
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Aqualand
Aqualand water park, complete with slides and, yes, live dolphins. Dolmuşes run from Fevzi Çakmak Caddesi to Lara Plajı, passing the aquapark.
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Kaleiçi
Antalya's historical district begins at the main square called Kale Kapısı (Fortress Gate), which is marked by an old stone clock tower (saat kalesi) and a statue of Attalus II of Pergamum, the city's founder. To the northeast is the İki Kapılar Hanı, a sprawling bazaar dating to the late 15th century.
Walk south along Uzun Çarşi Sokak, the street opposite the clock tower. On the left is the 18th-century Tekeli Mehmet Paşa Camii, a mosque built by then Beylerbey (Governor of Governors) and repaired extensively in 1886 and 1926. Note the beautiful Arabic inscriptions in the coloured tiles above the windows.
Wander further into this protected zone; many of the grac…
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