Hadrian’s Gate, Antalya

Emperor Hadrian’s Gate is a triumphal arch located in Antalya, Turkey, built in 130 AD during the Roman period. The gate was constructed to honor the visit of Emperor Hadrian to the city, which was then known as Attaleya.

Location

The gate is situated on Atatürk Avenue (Atatürk Caddesi) and serves as the main entrance to the historic Kaleiçi district of Antalya.

Architecture

Emperor Hadrian’s Gate is the only surviving structure in Antalya from antiquity. Originally, it was a two-story marble gate with three arches, richly decorated with marble columns, stone carvings, and a coffered ceiling. The second story, which featured sculptures of Emperor Hadrian and his family, has not survived.

Flanking the gate are two fortress towers: the Southern Tower of St. Julia from the Roman era and the Northern Tower built by the Seljuk Turks in the 13th century. These towers and the gate together form a harmonious architectural ensemble.

Access

The gate is freely accessible to the public and is not enclosed or fenced. It remains one of Antalya’s most important historical landmarks and a popular site for tourists exploring the old town.