Hadrian's Gate — Attraction in Muratpaşa

Hadrian's Gate (Turkish: Üçkapılar, meaning "The Three Gates") is a memorial gate, which was built in the name of the Roman emperor Hadrian, who visited the city in 130 CE. It was later incorporated in the walls that surround the city and harbor, of which it is the only remaining entrance gate today.

Hadrian's Gate consists of two colonnaded facades, three entry arches rising above four pylons and a tower standing on either side. It is about 8 meters high. The Southern Tower, known as the Julia Sancta, is from the Roman era but was likely built independently of the gate. The bottom section of the Northern Tower is from Roman times, but the upper part was rebuilt in the first half of the thirteenth century AD during the reign of Seljuk sultan Alaeddin Keykubat I and contains an inscription in Arabic script.

It is considered to be Pamphylia's most beautiful gate. The upper part has three apertures in the shape of a cupola, and except for the pillars (made of granite) is built entirely of white marble. The three passage ways are decorated with floral and rosette reliefs. The ornamentation is very striking. The original gate was two stories, and although little is known of the top story, it is believed to have held statues of the emperor and his family. An entablature on the top of the Gate extends to both sides with a height of 1.28 meters. It includes a frieze decorated with floral motifs and an ornate cornice with lion heads.

Formerly the city walls enclosed the outside of the gate and it was not used for many years. This may be the reason why it has not been harmed, and it was only revealed when the walls collapsed in the 1950s. The gate was restored in 1959. The pavement was stripped away to reveal the original Roman era walkway, which can be seen through perspex flooring while walking through the main arch. Visitors to the Gate can look down and see incredibly deep grooves where the pavement was worn away by countless carts passing in and out of the city.

When the gate was uncovered and restored, a dozen bronze letters were found at the foot of the gate. These letters were part of an inscription honoring Hadrian. As of 2017, the letters are split between different museums and private collections around the world. Nine letters are in Vienna, two are in Berlin, and there are some in England, at the British Museum in London and the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford. It is believed the missing second story would have also held an...

Hadrian's Gate consists of two colonnaded facades, three entry arches rising above four pylons and a tower standing on either side. It is about 8 meters (26.2 feet) high.[3] The Southern Tower, known as the Julia Sancta, is from the Roman era but was likely built independently of the gate.[4] The bottom section of the Northern Tower is from Roman times, but the upper part was rebuilt in the first half of the thirteenth century AD during the reign of Seljuk sultan Alaeddin Keykubat I[5] and contains an inscription in Arabic script.[6] It is considered to be Pamphylia's most beautiful gate. The upper part has three apertures in the shape of a cupola, and except for the pillars (made of granite) is built entirely of white marble. The three passage ways are decorated with floral and rosette reliefs.[7] The ornamentation is very striking. The original gate was two stories, and although little is known of the top story, it is believed to have held statues of the emperor and his family.[8] An entablature on the top of the Gate extends to both sides with a height of 1.28 meters (4.2 feet). It includes a frieze decorated with floral motifs and an ornate cornice with lion heads.[9] Formerly the city walls enclosed the outside of the gate and it was not used for many years. This may be the reason why it has not been harmed, and it was only revealed when the walls collapsed in the 1950s.[10] The gate was restored in 1959. The pavement was stripped away to reveal the original Roman era walkway, which can be seen through perspex flooring while walking through the main arch.[11] Visitors to the Gate can look down and see incredibly deep grooves where the pavement was worn away by countless carts passing in and out of the city. When the gate was uncovered and restored, a dozen bronze letters were found at the foot of the gate. These letters were part of an inscription honoring Hadrian. As of 2017, the letters are split between different museums and private collections around the world. Nine letters are in Vienna, two are in Berlin, and there are some in England, at the British Museum in London and the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.[12] It is believed the missing second story would have also held an...

Antalya, Turkey, offers a rich tapestry of history and modernity, epitomized by landmarks like Hadrian's Gate and the city's tramway system. Hadrian's Gate, also known as Üçkapılar ("Three Gates"), is a triumphal arch built in 130 CE to honor Roman Emperor Hadrian's visit to the ancient city of Attaleia, now Antalya. Constructed from white marble with three arches and ornate floral and rosette reliefs, it stands as a testament to Roman architecture. The gate marks the entrance to Kaleiçi, Antalya's historic old town, and is the only remaining entrance gate incorporated into the city's ancient walls.

Visitors often begin their exploration of Kaleiçi at Hadrian's Gate, leading to narrow cobbled streets lined with Ottoman-era houses, boutique hotels, and local shops.

🚋 Antalya Tramway System

Antalya's tram system seamlessly blends the city's historical charm with modern convenience. It comprises two main lines

AntRay (Modern Tram)

AntRay is a modern light rail line that began operation in 2009. It connects the city's northwest to the center, extending to Antalya Airport, Aksu, and the Expo 2016 site. The line features 16 stops, including key locations like the Otogar (bus terminal) and Meydan.

Nostalji Tramvay (Heritage Tram)

The Nostalji Tramvay, or Nostalgic Tram, is a heritage line operating since 1999. Using vintage tramcars from the 1950s and 60s, it runs a 4.7 km route from the Antalya Museum through the city center, passing landmarks like Hadrian's Gate and Karaalioglu Park, ending near Lara Beach.

Both tram lines offer an efficient and scenic way to explore Antalya, connecting historical sites with modern amenities. In summary, Antalya's Hadrian's Gate and tramway system exemplify the city's harmonious blend of ancient history and contemporary life, providing visitors with a unique and...