As much as I like the view of an ocean or walking along the beach in the morning or late in the afternoons, I prefer the charm of an old town, so I settled at the historical part of the city – the Kaleici.
On my way to Olympos I stayed a couple of nights in Antalya, it’s unavoidable because I happen to get hold of the cheapest airfare (TL57) landing Antalya’s airport.
On my way to Olympos I stayed a couple of nights in Antalya, it’s unavoidable because I happen to get hold of the cheapest airfare (TL57) landing Antalya’s airport.
Antalya isn’t as touristy as I expected it to be, it
digress from how I picture the place on my mind, at least not as teeming as the
Sultanahmet district of Istanbul, or probably because it isn’t the tourist
season yet, or maybe because I stayed mostly around the old district and I did
not really wandered around the beach area of Lara or Konyaalti.
I enjoyed my holiday break in Kaleici although upon
my arrival, I was greeted by a complete electricity blackout that lasted from
the time I climbed the pitch-black stairway of the hotel up until I was handed
my room key. The reception guy even
kidded me that I may have brought good luck. Sure I did.
It was still early in the evening and I wandered through
the maze-like narrow streets, the shadows of people at the end of the streets
and the tiny sounds of footsteps creates an atmosphere that is quite enigmatic
if somewhat eerie amidst the cold breeze of the night.
Occasionally, I would meet a couple romantically
strolling along, gazing up and down some interesting old houses, or a group of youths
most likely looking for bars to pass the evening. But in most times I’m drifting alone dragging
my shadow starkly fashioned by the golden fluorescence from the lamp posts above
every corner. I like the old district at
night, it has a soft tone to it.
Kaleici is Antalya, at least prior to
the construction of the tall and ugly modern buildings which took place after
the world war II. Structures within the
walled city can be traced back as far as the Roman era with the remnant of the
arched gateway dedicated to Emperor Hadrian. Then the arrival of the Byzantines, Seljuks and
Ottoman further augmented the historical diversity of the old town.
The quaint harbor, now the yacht marina, was the sustenance
of the city then where goods flow in and out of Antalya. The old historic mansions started around the
harbor and sprawled up almost overshadowing each other and creating labyrinth
of winding lovely cobblestoned streets in between.
Walking tour which can be done on your own (DIY) around
the Kaleici is one of the highlights of the city that any visitor should not
miss.
Informative topic. Looks interesting, ill be sure to check it out. Look here Tuvana Hotel is a charming boutique hotel located right in the middle of the Antalya city center at the historic old town district,Kaleici. Follow Kaleici Antalya with your lover. Surrounded by gardens, the elegant Tuvana Hotel is situated in Antalya's historical center only 450 meters from Hadrian's Gate.
ReplyDeleteAlthough it looks an old town but still it is really charming. Thanks for sharing a lovely old town tour post.
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