Kalekapisi, Center of Antalya, Turkey

The center of Antalya, "capital" of Turkey's Mediterranean coast, is an ancient stone tower in the old city walls marking Kalekapisi (KAH-leh-kah-puh-suh, Castle Gate).

It's right next to the city's well-known symbol, the Grooved Minaret (Yivli Minare).

Just down the hill from it is Kaleiçi (Old Antalya), with dozens of fine old Ottoman-style boutique hotels, inns, pensions and restaurants.

Kalekapisi is where Antalya's trams cross tracks in the middle of their run.

Because Kalekapisi is a pedestrian zone (except for the tram line), you must walk a block or two west, north or east to catch city buses. Lots of useful minibus routes pass a block or two north of Kalekapisi.

To reach Kalekapisi inexpensively from Antalya's otogar (bus terminal), take a Terminal city bus from in front of the bus terminal and ask the driver to let you out at the intersection of Kâzim Özalp/Sarampol Caddesi and Yener Ulusoy Bulvari. Continue walking south on Kâzim Özalp/Sarampol Caddesi (the direction the bus was going before it turned right) for 12 minutes to reach Kalekapisi.

Antalya's old bazaar (çarsi) and market district starts at Kalekapisi and extends north along Kâzim Özalp Caddesi, also known by its former name of Sarampol Caddesi. Stand back to back with the statue of Attalus, and you'll be looking north up Kâzim Özalp/Sarampol Caddesi.

City Tours

Antalya Hotels

Antalya Restaurants

Antalya Transport

Antalya Homepage

Antalya Maps

Mediterranean Turkey

Where to Go

Above, the statue of Attalus, founder of Antalya, gazes south to the ancient stone tower marking Kalekapisi, and the Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Camii (mosque), Antalya, Turkey.
Below left, the Grooved Minaret (Yivli Minare), symbol of Antalya, just south across the tram line from the Attalus statue.