Hadrian’s Gate is a Roman-era monument in Kaleiçi, Antalya, built in honor of Emperor Hadrian’s visit to the city. The landmark combines three arched openings with later history visible in the towers beside it.
- Location: Kaleiçi, Muratpaşa, Antalya
- The gate has three arched openings and a Latin inscription
Where Hadrian’s Gate stands
Hadrian’s Gate stands at the entrance to Kaleiçi, Antalya’s old town. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s Culture Portal gives its address as Barbaros, Atatürk Cd, Hadrian Kale Kapısı, 07100 Muratpaşa/Antalya. It is also known as Hadrianus Gate and Üç Kapılar, meaning “Three Gates.”
The gate marks a route into the historic district. For context on the surrounding streets and neighbourhood, see this walking guide to Antalya’s Kaleiçi old town.
Why was Hadrian’s Gate built?
Hadrian’s Gate was built in AD 130 to honor the Roman emperor’s visit to Attaleia, the city now known as Antalya. It opened onto routes leading to cities including Perge, Aspendos and Side, and served as an important entrance and exit to Attaleia.
Its purpose was monumental and aesthetic rather than as part of the city’s broad defensive system. During the Byzantine period, the gate was closed for defensive reasons, and walls built in front of and behind it concealed the structure. It was rediscovered after the remains of the city walls were demolished in 1882.
What can you see in the gate’s architecture?
The gate’s three arches, marble construction and carved decoration are its defining architectural features. The Ministry’s Culture Portal describes the original structure as two storeys, though the second storey no longer survives. The gate is made of white marble apart from its columns, and its surface includes carved and relief decoration.
Two towers stand beside the gate, and they were not built at the same time as it. The southern tower, known as Julia Sancta Tower, dates to Hadrian’s period and is made of undecorated block stones. The lower part of the northern tower dates to antiquity, while its upper part is from the Seljuk period.
How do you visit Hadrian’s Gate on foot?
Hadrian’s Gate is on a Kaleiçi street that runs toward Hıdırlık Tower, making it easy to include as part of a walk through the old town. Antalya Inn Hotel, about a 9-minute walk from Hadrian’s Gate gives you a place to stay within walking distance of the landmark.
The gate is a historic landmark in a public street setting. If you’re planning around opening arrangements or access details, check the official site before you go; the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s Culture Portal is the relevant official source.
FAQs
What is Hadrian’s Gate also called?
It is also called Hadrianus Gate and Üç Kapılar, which means “Three Gates.”
When was Hadrian’s Gate built?
It was built in AD 130 in honor of Emperor Hadrian’s visit to Attaleia.
How many arches does the gate have?
The gate has three arched openings.
What is the history of the towers beside the gate?
The towers were built at different times. The southern tower dates to Hadrian’s period, while the northern tower has an ancient lower part and a Seljuk-period upper part.