The oldest part of Antalya is called Kaleici. It was originally a Roman Roman city, then it became Byzantine, and later passed to the Seljuk Turks, and, finally to the Turkish Ottoman Empire.
Those who visit the old city have the opportunity to touch the history that has survived in its original form. Looking at the labyrinth of narrow streets and the architecture of the houses of Kaleici, one can't help but plunge into the way of life of generations of people who inhabited these lands in the past and those who live here now. It is hard to believe that the entire Antalya was once contained within these walls. To erect a new building or or restore an old one inside the fortress is not easy. There are quite strict rules to preserve the architecture of the old city.
The heart of Kaleici is the old harbour for which Antalya was once famous. More recently it was restored. But previously, for more than 2,000 years, it had no decorative function at all, as evidenced by the fortress walls still standing today and the cannons looking out into the harbour. Antalya was the second port in Turkey after Mersin in terms of the number of arriving of ships. Already in modern times, a new pier was built in the west of the city, and the old name was replaced by a new one. The place is now a magnificent estuary, whose wharf is used for mooring boats, yachts and boats, used for the amusement of tourists from all over the world.
Kaleici is surrounded and protected by the Old Roman Harbour, which was actually once used to serve it, in fact, the city of Antalya was once founded. Even in Roman Empire times, it was the gateway to the rich plains that extend east of the city to the southern slopes of the mountains of the city to the southern slopes of the Taurus Mountains.
It is possible to admire a great variety of beautiful house facades if you walking along the landward side of the walls up the street. Some of these facades face the street and complete the general ensemble. In each of the courtyards, each of the courtyards, characterised by its own zest, has internal gardens, in which grow a variety of fruit trees. The houses here are built of stone and have floors made of wood. The combination of stone and wood adds Kaleici architecture its unique flavour.
The ground floors of these old houses usually have almost no windows on the street side, while the "djumba", the top floor, can showcase the patterned wooden ledges echoing the style of the street. Often the upper floors are often bedrooms and other living spaces. The ground floor of the house flows seamlessly into the garden, in the cool shade of which you can relax in the summer heat on comfortable small chairs made of wood. On this floor there were utility rooms such as a pantry, kitchen rooms such as a pantry, kitchen, shed and storeroom.
Next is the living ground floor, which has two rows of large and wide windows. A large amount of light enters through them, creating a the effect of extra space. The window shutters of the lower row of windows can be opened, while the upper row is mostly made of wood and has no panes. What stands out against their background are the small light openings on the upper floors, which are covered with coloured glass.
There are several entrances to Kaleici, but the most convenient is the Kalekapisi, and the most picturesque and historically significant is Hadrian's Gate. Nearby tram line, and there is a taxi rank at the entrance. It also has its own fire brigade, its own beach, its own shops and cafes, in general - it is a town within a town.
Today Kaleici is practically a centre of tourism, preserving its original appearance, the new buildings of which, at the same time, perfectly blended into the general architectural ensemble. On its territory there are many hotels, boarding houses, restaurants and shops. Here you can constantly hear the cries of sellers, asking to buy various souvenirs, jewellery and furniture, coming from the Oriental shops and souvenir shops. Particular attention is drawn to the beautiful handmade carpets, among which you can often find antique canvases. On the on the cliff itself, there are several cafes offering a magnificent view of the sea and the mountains.
