Antalya Hadrian’s Gate, or Hadrian Kapısı in Turkish, is one of the most prominent and important historical buildings in Antalya, Turkey. It is located in the city center next to Atatürk Boulevard. Of course, tourists know this beautiful place by other names, such as Triple Gate, Üçkapılar, and Hadrianus.
Each of these names has its history; for example, Hadrian’s name is placed on this gate from the ancient history of this city in the 2nd century AD and the visit of the ancient Roman emperor. Its second name (three arches) is also related to its architecture, which consists of three arches.
A History and Introduction of Antalya Hadrian’s Gates
According to one of the narratives, about 10 centuries before the construction of Hadrian’s Gate, the Queen of Sheba Belqis went to this land to meet King Solomon. She passed under Hadrian’s Gate and rested in the Aspendos Palace of Antalya on her way.
This story is inconsistent with what was narrated in the books; therefore, some people rejected the hypothesis of its authenticity. Also, according to the sources, Hadrian’s Gate was discovered by Westerners with the writings of Francis Beaufort’s trip to the southern coast of Asia Minor in 1817. This gate is a part of the ancient wall surrounding the old city. It was built of white marble with three arches with Corinthian columns in honor of Hadrian’s visit to that city in 130 AD.
According to the statements, the building of Hadrian’s Gate, Antalya, was originally a 2-story building, and what remains of this building today is its first floor.
The architecture of Hadrian’s Gate
Hadrian’s Gate, the entrance to the Kaleiçi region, is the only remaining Gate to the ancient city. It has 8 granite columns on both sides of the four pillars supporting the triple arches of the Gate.
Hadrian’s Gate includes three arches of the same size, each with a width of 4.15 meters and a height of 6.18 meters. The height of the entire building is 8 meters from the lowest part of the street pavement to the highest point of the pillars.
There are also two towers on both sides of this Gate. The left tower belongs to the ancient Roman era, and part of the right tower was restored during the Byzantine Empire. Archaeologists believe the original building was two stories, but today, there are no traces of the second story. In the eastern part of this ancient and beautiful Gate, traces of ancient Roman architecture can be seen.
This Gate also includes a pleasant courtyard between two gates and two turrets adjacent to these gates. The appealing and stunning tiny and big sculptures surrounding these two towers add to the attractiveness of this ancient edifice. The lower portion of these towers is highlighted with an inscription painted in Turkish and Arabic calligraphy.
How to get to Hadrian’s Gate?
Since Antalya’s public transportation system is good, modern, and advanced, you can easily visit Hadrian’s Gate without paying much. Buses, trams, and taxis are among the vehicles you can use to reach this beautiful place, but the bus is the best and most economical way to get to this Antalya tourist attraction.
Credit cards or Antalya cards are sufficient for this. The route costs 10 to 15 liras; you can pay with these cards.
You may take a taxi to this ancient site in addition to taking the bus, but remember that the admission charge for taxis in Antalya is 3 lire, increasing by 3 lire every kilometer—also, the taxi costs in Antalya double between 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
If the cost of transportation doesn’t matter to you, a taxi is the best option, but if you want to save money, trams are the best option, followed by buses. For the convenience of tourists who wish to use the tram, there are 16 tram stations to enter the Kaleiçi area. Tourists can use any of these stations, get off at the “Fittingly” station, the destination station, and go to Hadrian Gate.
Tourist attractions where are close to Hadrian’s Gate
Since Hadrian Gate is located in the Kaleichi area, you can spend a day exploring this area. For example, Yivli Minaret Mosque, Artillery Park, Ancient Museums of Antalya, Mahmoud Pasha Mosque, Antalya Saat Kulesi (Clock Tower) , etc., are near Hadrian’s Gate. You can choose one of the cafes or restaurants of Calais Ichir and relieve your fatigue.
Hotels that are close to Hadrian’s Gate
There are some hotels near Hadrian’s Gate, such as:
- Elegance East Hotel: 160 meters
- Alp Paşa Boutique Hotel: 550 meters
- Eski Masal Hotel: 600 meters
- Hotel Villa Tulipan: 750 meters
- Dogan Hotel: 750 meters
Restaurants that are close to Hadrian’s Gate
Some eateries near Hadrian’s Gate include:
- Rokka Food: 70 meters
- Vanilla Restaurant: 550 meters
- Cafe Restaurant Beirut: 750 meters