This 2,000-year-old portal to the ancient city is a fine example of Roman ingenuity, with elegant columns, three arches and a marble frame.
Hadrian’s Gate is an elegant triumphal arch from the Roman dynasty that has survived intact for almost 2,000 years. It was constructed in A.D. 130 to mark the arrival of Emperor Hadrian to the city. The structure consists of three arched gates in a white marble frame. Around the ornate gate rise towers that add to the charm of the historical part of Antalya.
Stroll through the gate at your own pace, appreciating the majesty of the ancient structure. Imagine the first Romans who walked under the arches. Legend has it that the Queen of Sheba passed through the gate on her way to Aspendos. Gaze up at the intricate decoration of the arches as you stand beneath them.
A modern walkway prevents visitors from damaging the gate. The side arches have been blocked off, so you can enter only through the central arch.
Get a friend to take photos of you standing inside the historic triumphal arch. The serene area outside has colourful flowers and an expanse of grass and trees. On the other side of the structure are cafés, restaurants and market stands selling souvenirs and clothes.
Admire the towers that stand on either side of the triumphal arch. It is said that one dates back to the Roman era, while the other appears to have been built by Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat I in the 13th century.
The gate originally had a second story, although historians know very little about it. The gate itself was discovered when the walls around it collapsed in an earthquake.
Hadrian’s Gate is in the historic district in the centre of Antalya. Take a bus to the site, as there are many stops in the area. If driving, look for signs for Üçkapilar, which is the Turkish name of the site. Several historic attractions are nearby, including the Clock Tower.
