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Tours Alanya

Muratpaşa

Antalya's historic core: Kaleiçi

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Photo: Sharon Hahn Darlin

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What to know about Muratpaşa

Muratpaşa is the busiest central district of Antalya and holds Kaleiçi, the historic core. With narrow lanes, Ottoman houses and the old harbour, it is now a pedestrian quarter of boutique hotels, cafés and craft shops.

Its emblem is the three-arched marble gate built for the emperor Hadrian's visit in AD 130. At the entrance to Kaleiçi, the Seljuk-era Fluted Minaret is the most recognisable shape on the city skyline.

The cliffs along the shore are the district's other face: heading towards Lara, the Lower Düden Waterfall falls straight off the rock into the sea — the classic turning point of local boat trips.

When to go

March-May and October-November suit city sightseeing best: 20-27°C and cool stone streets. In July and August, Kaleiçi heats up badly after midday, so walk it early or in the evening. Winter is rainy but perfectly walkable.

Getting there

Antalya Airport (AYT) is 13 km east — 20-30 minutes by tram, airport bus or taxi. Kaleiçi and its surroundings are entirely walkable, and a tram plus a nostalgic tram line run along the shore.

What to see in Muratpaşa

  • Kaleiçi and the old harbour

    The walled historic quarter: stone lanes, Ottoman houses and slopes running down to the marina. Liveliest in the evening, coolest to walk in the morning.

  • Hadrian's Gate

    A three-arched marble gate raised for the emperor Hadrian around AD 130. It is the main entrance to Kaleiçi and free to pass through.

  • Lower Düden Waterfall

    A waterfall that drops off the cliffs into the sea, seen from a viewing terrace on land or from boat tours. Afternoon light hits it head on.

  • The Fluted Minaret

    A 13th-century brick minaret with a fluted shaft, one of the emblems of Seljuk architecture, standing with its small complex at the edge of Kaleiçi.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Kaleiçi take?+

Two to three hours on foot covers the lanes, Hadrian's Gate and the old harbour. Add the Antalya Museum and the nostalgic tram and you need a full day.

How many Düden waterfalls are there?+

Two: Upper Düden in Kepez district, where a path passes behind the cave, and Lower Düden here in Muratpaşa, which falls into the sea. City tours usually include both.

Can you drive inside Kaleiçi?+

The lanes are narrow and largely pedestrianised. Parking outside and walking in is the practical option; hotels can arrange brief access for luggage.

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