Attalos II Monument

Monument in Antalya

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Dosseman

The Attalos II Monument is one of the top sights in Antalya, paying homage to the ancient king who founded the city more than two thousand years ago. Located on Republic Street, directly opposite the iconic Clock Tower, the monument is a proud reminder of Antalya's deep historical roots. It stands as a symbol of gratitude to Attalos II Philadelphus, the ruler of Pergamon, whose vision and leadership helped shape this coastal city into a thriving settlement. The area around the monument is lively and filled with cafés, shops, and street vendors, making it a great place to visit on a walking tour of Antalya.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do
How to Get There
Nearby Attractions

History and Significance

The monument celebrates King Attalos II, who reigned over Pergamon in the 2nd century BC and was renowned for his wisdom, diplomacy, and patronage of the arts. Known as “Attalos the brother-loving,” he co-ruled with his brother Eumenes II and later succeeded him after his passing. Attalos II is remembered not only for his political achievements but also for his contributions to culture and urban development.

He founded several cities, including Philadelphia (modern-day Alaşehir) and Attalia (now Antalya). His legacy as a city-builder endures, as Attalia went on to become one of the most important ports of the Mediterranean. The monument, depicting the king in regal stance, celebrates both his historical influence and his role as Antalya's founding figure. It is a popular spot for photography, thanks to its prominent location and its backdrop of the bustling city centre.

Things to See and Do

Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon when the light is best for photography and the square is less crowded.
How long to spend: Around 15 to 30 minutes is enough to appreciate the statue and take in the lively surroundings.
Nearby food options: Enjoy Turkish tea, coffee, or local snacks at one of the nearby cafés or street stalls.
Accessibility: The monument is located in a pedestrian-friendly area with smooth walkways.
Facilities: Benches and shaded areas nearby for a short rest during your exploration.

How to Get There

The Attalos II Monument is situated in central Antalya, opposite the Saat Kulesi (Clock Tower) on Republic Street, making it easy to locate during a visit to the Old Town. The area is accessible on foot from nearby attractions like Republic Square and Kaleiçi. The closest tram stop is İsmetpaşa Station on the AntRay line, just a few minutes' walk away. Local buses also stop nearby, and taxis can drop passengers close to the pedestrian area.

Nearby Attractions

The monument's location makes it ideal for exploring several of Antalya's best places to see. Just steps away stands the Clock Tower, one of the most recognisable symbols of the city. From there, visitors can continue toward the Tekeli Mehmet Paşa Mosque or the Yivli Minaret Mosque, both magnificent examples of Ottoman and Seljuk architecture. A short stroll leads into Kaleiçi, the Old Town, where narrow streets, colourful shops, and traditional restaurants capture Antalya's timeless charm. Behind the monument lies Kazım Özalp Caddesi, a lively pedestrian street that leads to the Antalya Central Bazaar—perfect for picking up local crafts, textiles, and spices before continuing your exploration.

The Attalos II Monument appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Antalya!

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