Antalya, Turkey: Mediterranean Sea at the Foot of the Western Taurus

Walking through the streets of Antalya, you immediately notice that the city is dominated by the refined Yivli Minaret, built in the 13th century by the Seljuk sultan Alaeddin Keykubat. Having become the symbol of the city, the tower attracts visitors’ attention mainly thanks to its mosaic decorations with bluish shades. Next to the minaret is the homonymous mosque, which hosted museum exhibits until the new city art gallery was completed.
Inside the same ‘külliye’ (an Arabic term indicating a complex of multiple buildings) is the Madrase (Madrasah), a school with an entrance portal in carved stone typical of many monuments belonging to the Seljuk dynasty.
Continuing the tour around the city, you head towards the important Kaleici district (also known, not coincidentally, as ‘old Antalya’), which was the heart of the city until the Second World War. Life in Antalya, in fact, mostly took place here in the narrow alleys, picturesque houses, and among the imposing stone walls. Today, its historical charm can also be experienced at the table, thanks to the delicious cuisine offered by comfortable guesthouses and inns and more luxurious hotels.
After admiring the three-arched marble gate dedicated to the visit that Emperor Hadrian made to the city in 130, the historical discovery continues in the Antalya Archaeological Museum. Among the most important in Turkey, the gallery houses interesting exhibits divided into about a dozen museum sections.
Bathed by the Mediterranean Sea and boasting the aforementioned tourist fortunes, Antalya still offers many attractions even beyond the city limits.
Sun and sea lovers can enjoy about 300 sunny days a year and wonderful waters in which to dive and admire the seabed up to a depth of 30 meters. Mountain enthusiasts, on the other hand, can dedicate themselves to mountaineering and speleology discovering small and large caves fascinating from a historical, geographical, and aesthetic point of view (among them the Karein Cave complex). History buffs can explore interesting historical sites (such as Aspendos), while those seeking thrills and fun cannot miss a few hours of rafting, a jeep safari through the Taurus Mountains, or a day at the aquapark. Those who prefer quieter activities can dedicate themselves to golf, horseback riding, or simply be lulled by the waves of the Mediterranean.