Hıdırlık Tower is one of the most mysterious sights of the city Antalya. The reddish-brown stone structure is located at the intersection of Hıdırlık and Hesapçı streets Hıdırlık and Hesapçı streets, in the south-eastern edge of Kaleici neighbourhood near Karaalioglu Park. The tower rises above the southern part of the city bay.
The architectural features of the tower indicate that its construction began in the 2nd century AD, when the Romans inhabited the area. Its true purpose is still a mystery. Today, there are several versions of the tower's purpose. Some scholars say it was a lighthouse, because its location makes it very visible from the sea and could serve as a landmark. It's also a good place to see which ships coming into the harbour. Other historians tend to think that the building fulfilled defence functions. The tower is perched on a cliff and could have been a bastion for the to protect the city. More recently, it's been hypothesised that the tower was the tomb of a Roman official and his family. This idea was prompted by a huge square-shaped block of stone inside the tower, and the architecture of the tower is very reminiscent of Roman mausoleums. There are remnants of frescoes frescoes, judging from these fragments, the tower was used for religious purposes during the Byzantine period.
The height of the structure is about 13.5 metres. The walls of the tower are made of of large stone blocks. According to ancient descriptions of this tower, the roof was formerly pointed roof and may have been demolished during the Byzantine Empire during the reconstruction. Traces of restoration work from the Seljuk and Ottoman eras are still preserved in the upper part of the tower. The massive tower has a square base and cylindrical upper part. The entrance to the building is from the eastern side. Behind the rectangular door is a small hall with a narrow staircase that leads to the second floor.
Hıdırlık is rightly considered one of the outstanding architectural finds on the entire Antalya coastline. This construction is astonishing in its grandiosity and majesty. In addition, the tower offers a marvellous view of the sea and the neighbourhood. Nowadays, the Hıdırlık Tower is surrounded by restaurants and cafes with a panoramic view of Antalya. Hıdırlık Tower is surrounded by restaurants and cafes with panoramic views of the Bay of Antalya, and a small theatre has been opened within its walls.
