Must-visit places in Antalya

Side was founded in the 7th century BCE by Greek settlers from Kyme in Eolia, a land located in the north-western part of Anatolia. The patron goddess of the town was Athena, whose head was depicted on the coins minted in Side. However, the Greek origins of Side inhabitants were quickly forgotten, and the descendants of Greek colonists took over the language and customs of the local people. That language, examples of which have been discovered on the inscriptions from the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE, has not yet been understood by researchers. However, it is known, that the name of the city meant pomegranate in the local dialect.

Thanks to its favourable location at the natural harbour Side quickly became one of the most significant settlements in Pamphylia and a trading station of the region. In the 6th century BCE, Side came under the rule of Lydia and later Persia, but little is known about this period of history.

Antiphellos was a small settlement and the port for Phellos, the much larger Lycian town further north in the hills. The small Hellenistic theatre, 500m west of Kaş's main square, could seat 4000 spectators and is in good condition. It was built in the 1st century BC and restored 300 years later, probably after the great 141 AD earthquake. There's a good view of Kaş from the top tier of seating.

Located almost 3 kilometres away from Demre is the ancient city of Andriake. Once Ancient Myra’s port this ancient city was built close to the Androkos River. Its importance was vital to the whole Roman world because it was the sight of Hadrian’s Granary.  This great granary, built between 119-139 AD, it’s structure is similar to Patara’s. Rome relied on its supplies to replenish the empire. The ruins of the ancient city are sprawled both and south of the access road with the remains of the granary south of today’s river. On the main central gate of the granary, one can see the busts of Hadrian and his empress Sabina. There is also another decorative relief on the front wall with two deities etched one with a snake and a griffin while the other lying on a couch. Recently an ancient synagogue was discovered, possibly dating back about 1800 years. It might have been the first synagogue in Ancient Lycia.

Most of the land is marshland so during rainy weather it might be more difficult to walk. Andriake can be reached from Demre and is a picturesque and quiet place to spend time pondering its history. Should you want to investigate more historic spots of Ancient Lycia make your way to Myra Ancient City, Finike and St. Nicholas Church.

Being the symbol of Alanya, this monumental building was constructed in 1226 for military purposes to defend the pier and was one of the unique sample of Seljuk art. After being restored between 1951-1953, the structure gained the function of ethnography museum through the exhibitions of carpets, clothing, pots and pans, guns,etc peculiar to Alanya.

Antalya's most beautiful monument is undoubtedly the monumental gate leading into the Kaleiçi. It is called the Hadrian's Gate (tr. Hadriyanüs Kapisi) or the Triple Gate (tr. Üçkapılar). The first name is a memorial of the ancient history of the city, when, in the second century AD, it was visited by the Roman Emperor Hadrian, while the second term refers to the appearance of the monument, which has three archways.