The Triple gate is a spectacular entrance into the Kalici or the Old Town, probably the most famous historic landmark in Antalya. It was once the town’s inner citadel that hosted many clubs, hotels and souvenir vendors. Located in the centre of Antalya, Hadrian’s Gate is one of the city’s prominent sights, along the Ataturk Boulevard and the Hadrian Tram Stop. The old monument dates from 130 AD and is part of the protecting walls of the city. The name is an important time for the town when the Roman Emperor Hadrian visited Antalya in the 2nd century AD.
The Magnificence of Hadrian’s Gate
Also observe the deep grooves under the central arch of the stone sidewalk carved out of the city over the centuries with the roles of thousands of cards. These grooves are so deep—and unbelievable to the peasants that a clear path has been constructed underneath the arch that tourists don’t spray through an ankle.
The enormous stone towers that frame the gate date from several periods. The South tower is romanesque, with a carved stone plaque in it, as an evidence on the left as you see the boulevard. Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat I (1219-1238), as evidenced by a plaque inside the North Tower(right), was restored in Selyuk Turkish time. The inscriptions have been written in ancient Turkish, in Arabic.
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Hadrian’s Gate: Architectural Features
♦ Ancient and Contemporary Worlds
The modern settlement on one side and the ancient town of Antalya on another are literally a window into the lengthy history of Hadrian’s Gate, defended by its towers.
♦ Two Towers
On either side of the gate stand two towers. During the reign of Hadrian, the southern Julia Sancta Tower was built of simple stones. During the Selyuk period, the bottom parts of the Northern Tower date back to antiquity.
♦ Three Gates
There are three round entrances in the two-story structure for entry. It is made of white marble and is embellished with relief and gravures with the exception of columns.
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How to Get to Hadrian’s Gate
At the Atatürk Boulevard in downtown Antalya sits the Hadrian’s Gate. It may be accessed by foot, by tram or by the old district of Kaleiçi. The tram line is immediately near the monument and the stop is called, suitably, Hadrian. The tram line runs directly along this monument.