Antalya - today this word is firmly associated with the sun, the sea, expensive hotels, photos in multi-level pools. At the same time, many tourists lose the opportunity to see that distinctive eastern Antalya, which opens outside the hotel territory.
Region Great Antalya
Do not forget, the city is located on the territory of the eastern country with a rich history and ancient roots, Turkey. The sights of Antalya are the atmosphere of the mysterious east, the echoes of the Roman Empire, the traces of the settlements of the very first representatives of mankind.
Aromas of the East
Old town, yacht port. This is the style of the Ottoman (Ottoman) empire and the urban landscape with wooden houses of the 20th century, these are small cafes and bars, restaurants with beaches, discos. From the unique sights of Antalya Kaleici - the only town that offers not only temporary unity with the atmosphere of the preserved Ottoman Empire. On the territory of the city there are about 20 mini-hotels, equipped in old buildings. You can enjoy rest here for weeks and months.
Shadows of the Egyptian pyramids
However strange it may be, it is believed that the architecture of the Antalya madrasah is rooted in the architecture of Egypt and Central Asia. In the area of Kaleici is one of the most famous madrasahs. It was built in the XIV century and bears the name of the governor of the Sultan Karatay. Not far from the madrasah stands the symbol of Antalya - the minaret of Yivli. His age is more than 7 centuries. The second name of the minaret, "corrugated", actually describes the main architectural feature - 90 steps with a total height of 38 meters. Today Yiwli is recognized as one of the best examples of old stone architecture.
Roman holiday
In the southern part of the bay of Antalya is a beautiful example of a Roman structure. The Khydyrylyk Tower, according to historians, was built in the 2nd century AD as a lighthouse. According to another version, the main function of the building was defense. The tower is perfectly preserved, which allows every traveler to touch a part of history.
A cut of epochs
Antalya is an amazing place that has preserved the heritage of the most powerful world cultures. On the territory of Antalya there are unique museums. The Museum of Suna and Inana Kirach offer visitors a dip into the life of a typical family of a town-dweller of the XIX century. This ethnographic museum has two historical buildings, in which there are exhibitions and expositions, including expositions of "groom's groom", "hen party". The former building of the Orthodox Church of St. George is also referred to the museum, where today collections of art objects are placed.
A real journey through the life of Antalya from prehistoric times is offered by the Museum of Antalya. Here visitors will see old utensils, sculptures, statues, sarcophagi, coins ... There is a hall of works of the Turkish-Islamic period and a children's hall where old children's toys and moneyboxes are exhibited.
There is something to visit in Antalya and lovers of nature. Cave Karain, located to the north of the city, has preserved the remains of the most ancient settlements of Turkey. The time of construction of these settlements dates back to Paleolith. Once scientists discovered here the remains of a Neanderthal man, and also made a very surprising discovery for Turkey, discovering the bones of a hippopotamus. You can climb the Tahtali mountain - this is the highest mountain peak in the world, located off the coast. To the top climb the cable car, designed and manufactured in Switzerland, which alleviates the anxiety about the safety of such a rise, even among the most disturbing tourists. From the top of the mountain you can admire the panoramic views of the coast.