The ancient city of Antalya was protected by two walls, in the shape of a horseshoe, one running along the shoreline and the other inland. There were also walls built specifically to separate settlements from eachother and watch towers were built every fifty feet or so along the outer walls. These walls date back to ancient times when the Romans built on the Hellenic foundations. Eventually these were widened and repaired by the Selchuks.

 

Many stone blocks with ancient inscriptions were used and the walls were well protected until the 19th century. Some remains of the walls can still be seen today as well as a few turrets, Hadrian's Gate, the Clock Tower and the Hidirlik Tower. Nowadays the ancient city centre surrounded by sea and land walls is called the Kaleiçi. The streets and buildings still bear the marks of Antalya's history. The characteristics of the old houses tell not only a tale of architecture but also reflect the social lives, customs and habits of the people who dwelled in old Antalya and provide us with much valuable information about that time.

The streets in the old town are narrow and slope upwards from the harbour. Some very interesting historical sites to visit within the old town are the mosque with the truncated minaret, the fluted minaret (Yivli Minare) the Keyhusrev Medrese, the Karatay Medrese, the Iskele Mosque and the Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Mosque and various old chapels especially the Church of St. George which has been beautifully restored by the Suna-Inan Kiraç foundation. The presence of churches in the old town reflects the recent chequered history of the area. During the 19th century there were many inhabitants of Greek and Armenian origin who lived and traded happily alongside their Turkish counterparts. And it is this multicultural aspect of the old town that gives it its very distinctive atmosphere.

The yacht harbour and surrounds offer awe-inspiring views both day and night that have moved many a local and foreign painter, poet and writer to achieve great works.