Travel to Antalya Turkey, Antalya Travel information, Antalya historical Monuments, Places to see in Antalya Turkey


	Antalya, Turkey's major holiday resort in the Mediterranean region (ancient Pamphylia), is an beautiful city with shady palm-lined boulevards, a prize-winning marina. In the pleasing old quarter, Kaleici, narrow winding streets and old wooden houses abut the ancient city walls.

	Since its founding in the second century B.C. by Attalus II Antalya has been constantly inhabited. The Romans, Byzantines and Seljuks in turn occupied the city before it came under Ottoman rule. The well-designed fluted minaret of the Yivli Minareli Mosque in the center of the city built by the Seljuk sultan Alaeddin Keykubat in the 13th century has become the Antalya 's symbol. The Medrese Karatay (theological college) in the Kaleici district, from the same period, exemplifies the best of Seljuk stone carvings. The two major Ottoman mosques in the city are the 16th century Murat Pasa Mosque, remarkable for its tile decoration, the 18th century Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Mosque. adjacent the marina, the attractive late 19th century Iskele Mosque is built of cut stone and set on four pillars over a natural spring.

	The Hidirlik Kulesi (tower) was probably originally constructed as a lighthouse in the second century. Today a church, the Kesik Minaret Mosque attests to the city's long history in its succession of Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman renovations. When Emperor Hadrian visited Antalya in 130 A.D. a beautifully decorated three arched gate was built into the city walls in his honor. Close the marina the two towers adjoining the gate and other sections of the walls still stand. The clock tower in Kalekapisi Square was also part of the old city's fortifications.

	Nature The region around Antalya offers sights of amazing natural beauty as well as overwhelming historical remains. You can walk behind the cascade, a thrilling experience, at the Upper Düden Waterfalls, 14 km northeast of Antalya . On the way to Lara Beach, the Lower Düden Waterfalls plunge straight into the sea. The close by rest area offers an excellent view of the falls; the view is even more spectacular from the sea. Kursunlu Waterfalls and Nilüfer Lake , both 18 km from Antalya are two more places of superb natural beauty.

	A wonderful Lara Beach lies about 12 km to the east. Closer to Antalya, Saklikent, 50 km from Antalya is an perfect winter sports resort on the northern slopes of Bakirli Mountain at an altitude of 1750-1900 meters. In March and April you can ski in the morning, eat a delicious lunch of fresh fish at Antalya 's marina and sunbath, swim or wind surf in the afternoon.