Hadrian's Gate, Antalya

City Gate in Antalya

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Sharon Hahn Darlin

Hadrian's Gate, or Üçkapılar (Three Gates), is one of the top attractions in Antalya and a magnificent reminder of the city's Roman past. Built in 130 AD to commemorate Emperor Hadrian's visit, this triumphal arch marks the grand entrance to the Old Town (Kaleiçi). With its striking white marble, elegant columns, and intricate carvings, it is easy to see why this is one of the best places to see in Antalya. Visitors today can walk through the same arches that once welcomed ancient rulers and traders, connecting centuries of history in a single stroll.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do
Practical Tips for Visitors
How to Get There
Nearby Attractions

History and Significance

Constructed in honour of Emperor Hadrian, the gate has stood for nearly two millennia as one of Pamphylia’s finest examples of Roman architecture. According to legend, the Queen of Sheba herself is said to have passed under these arches on her journey to visit King Solomon. The structure features three graceful arches supported by Corinthian columns and crowned with decorative reliefs. Its preservation is remarkable, partly because it remained enclosed within city walls for centuries and was only rediscovered when the walls collapsed.

The two towers flanking the gate were added in different eras, further illustrating Antalya's layered history. The southern tower, Julia Sancta, dates from Hadrian's time, while the northern tower combines ancient foundations with a Seljuk-era upper section. Together, they frame the arch beautifully, creating one of the city's most photogenic scenes and a highlight of any walking tour of Antalya.

Things to See and Do

Walk through the three arches and imagine the grandeur of the Roman Empire as you enter Kaleiçi.
Observe the intricate marble carvings and Corinthian columns that showcase Roman craftsmanship.
Visit after sunset when the gate is beautifully illuminated, casting dramatic shadows across the stones.
Take time to explore both towers, which reveal different architectural periods of Antalya’s past.
Capture photos from both sides of the gate - one facing the modern city and the other leading into the Old Town.

Practical Tips for Visitors

Best time to visit: Early morning for fewer crowds or evening when the monument is lit up.
How long to spend: 20 to 40 minutes to explore and photograph the site.
Photography tip: Stand slightly off-centre to capture all three arches and the framing towers.
Accessibility: The gate is located at ground level and accessible to most visitors.
Nearby food options: Several cafés and restaurants nearby offer traditional Turkish dishes and coffee.

How to Get There

Hadrian's Gate is located at the entrance to Kaleiçi, Antalya's Old Town, on Atatürk Boulevard. It is easily reached on foot from nearby landmarks such as Republic Square or the Clock Tower. The nearest tram stop is İsmetpaşa on the AntRay line, which connects to other parts of the city. Local buses and taxis also stop nearby, and the surrounding area is pedestrian-friendly.

Nearby Attractions

Hadrian's Gate sits in the heart of Antalya's historic district, making it the perfect starting point for exploration. Just beyond the gate lies Kaleiçi, a maze of cobblestone streets lined with Ottoman-era houses, shops, and boutique hotels. A short walk away are the Tekeli Mehmet Paşa Mosque and the Yivli Minaret Mosque, both rich in architectural beauty. The Old City Marina, with its scenic sea views and seafood restaurants, is also close by. Together, these sites make Hadrian's Gate one of the must-see places in Antalya, blending ancient history with the vibrant life of the modern city.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (12,171)

Hadrian's Gate in Antalya stands at the entrance to Kaleiçi on Atatürk Caddesi and is a well-preserved Roman triumphal arch with three arches, ornate columns and carved details; visitors praise its intact marble and original stone pavement, note the deep wheel grooves, and say it serves as an impressive, free and open gateway into the old town where narrow streets, shops, cafés and eateries await.

Laurence Ho

2 months ago

"Step through Hadrian’s Gate and you’re not just entering Antalya’s Old Town—you’re crossing into 130 CE, when Roman emperors still roamed and marblemeant majesty. This triumphal arch, built to honor Emperor Hadrian’s visit, stands proud with its three arches, fluted columns, and a stone-paved path that whispers ancient footsteps. It’s remarkably well-preserved, with layers of history etched into every crack. Look up and you’ll see the ornate carvings; look down and you’ll walk on the original Roman road. It’s a surreal blend of old and new—surrounded by modern shops, yet untouched by time...."

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Azar

2 months ago

"Hadrian's Gate or Hadrian Kapısı in Antalya is one of the most famous and well-preserved Roman structures in the city, located in the Muratpaşadistrict on Atatürk Street. It was built in 130 AD to commemorate the visit of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, who was known for his patronage of architecture and the arts, as well as his contributions to the history of many provinces in the Roman Empire. The structure, which is about eight meters high, consists of three arches and two colo aded facades supported by four pylons. With the exception of eight granite columns, the gate is entirely made of white marble, and its vaults are adorned with intricate floral reliefs and rosettes, reflecting the wealth and importance of the city during that time. The gate originally had two levels, and it is believed that the upper level was occupied by statues of the emperor and his family, but only the lower level has survived to this day. On either side of the gate, there are two towers that date back to different historical periods. The southern tower, known as the Julia Sancta, was built during the Roman period, while the lower part of the northern tower is also Roman, but its upper part was rebuilt in the 13th century by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I. For a long time, the gate was built into the city wall and was not used, which allowed it to remain well-preserved. In the 1950s, the walls were demolished, and in 1959, the gate itself was reconstructed. During the works, the modern pavement was removed, revealing the original Roman pavement with deep grooves from the wheels of carts. Geologically, the gate is located in a place where the stones for construction were mined in the vicinity of Antalya, which is rich in limestone and marble, formed millions of years ago at the bottom of an ancient sea, giving the structure a special geological character that co ects it to the history of the Earth. It is believed that the gates carry a symbol of the transition between the past and the present, and their preservation in spite of time gives the place an aura of extraordinary power, combining the architectural skill of man, the natural grandeur of stone and the mysterious Chaos of Time. Legends are associated with this place: the belief is that if, passing under each of the three arches, you make a wish, it will necessarily come true...."

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Luana Bedin

2 months ago

"A truly imposing and very beautiful monument, marking the triumphal entrance to the old city. It was built in the 2nd century to celebrate the visitof the Roman Emperor Hadrian. It is impressive to see the richness of detail in the columns and arches that have survived for so long. Access is completely open to the public and free, making it an unmissable "gateway" to the Kaleiçi district...."

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The Hadrian's Gate appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Antalya!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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