Central Archway

Overview

Stepping through the Central Archway of Hadrian's Gate in Antalya, Turkey, is like traversing a living timeline. This majestic Roman triumphal arch, known locally as 'Üçkapılar' or 'The Three Gates', serves as a grand entrance to Kaleiçi, Antalya's charming old town. Erected almost two millennia ago, it is a testament to the city's enduring history and a pivotal landmark where the modern bustling city meets its ancient heart. The gate, with its distinctive three arched openings, is a remarkable example of Roman architecture and a well-preserved window into a glorious past.

As the sole surviving gate from the ancient city walls, Hadrian's Gate offers a unique opportunity to connect with the layers of civilizations that have shaped Antalya. It stands proudly on Atatürk Caddesi, inviting curious travelers to pause and appreciate its intricate details before exploring the labyrinthine streets of Kaleiçi that lie beyond its monumental frame.

History & Cultural Background

Hadrian's Gate was constructed in 130 CE to commemorate the visit of the Roman Emperor Hadrian to Attaleia, the ancient name for Antalya. This period marked a time of peace, the 'Pax Romana', allowing the city to invest in such a ceremonial and magnificent structure rather than purely defensive ones.

Originally, the gate was not part of the city's defensive fortifications but was later incorporated into the city walls that surrounded Antalya. This strategic absorption inadvertently contributed to its remarkable preservation over centuries, as it remained largely hidden and protected by the surrounding masonry.

The gate's existence was documented for the Western world in 1817 by the Irish hydrographer Francis Beaufort, who published a detailed description during his travels. Extensive restoration efforts in the 1950s and 1959 finally revealed its full splendor, uncovering the original Roman pavement and clearing away the later masonry that had enveloped it.

What Makes It Special

The Central Archway, part of Hadrian's Gate, is celebrated for its exquisite craftsmanship and enduring structure. It features three identical arches, each measuring approximately 4.15 meters wide and 6.18 meters high, reaching a total height of about 8 meters from the ancient pavement to the top of the entablature.

Constructed primarily of dazzling white marble, with smooth grey granite shafts for its columns, the gate showcases composite capitals that blend Ionic volutes with Corinthian acanthus leaves. Above the archways, a frieze adorned with delicate floral motifs and a richly detailed cornice featuring lion heads adds to its aesthetic appeal. The barrel vaults within the arches are decorated with coffers, each intricately carved with rosettes and floral designs.

Perhaps one of the most compelling features lies beneath the central arch: through a transparent floor panel, visitors can observe the original Roman pavement. This ancient roadway bears deep grooves, tangible evidence of countless chariot and wagon wheels that traversed this very path over centuries, heading into and out of the city.

Flanking the central archway are two towers. The Southern Tower, known as the Tower of Julia Sancta, dates back to the Roman era, though it was likely built independently of the gate. The Northern Tower has a more complex history, with its lower Roman sections topped by a 13th-century reconstruction by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I, complete with an Arabic inscription. These distinct towers tell a story of the various civilizations that have left their mark on Antalya.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

Hadrian's Gate is not just a structure of stone; it's steeped in local lore. One popular legend suggests that the Queen of Sheba, Sultana Belkis, once passed through this very gate and rested in the palace of Aspendos on her journey to meet King Solomon. While fascinating, historical records indicate that she lived roughly a millennium before Hadrian's Gate was built, making this story a delightful myth rather than a historical fact.

During its 1950s restoration, bronze letters forming part of a dedicatory inscription to Emperor Hadrian were discovered at the gate's base. These fragments are now housed in various museums around the world, silently testifying to the gate's original purpose and splendor.

The alternate Turkish name, 'Üçkapılar,' meaning 'The Three Gates,' directly refers to its triple-arched design, a simple yet evocative description commonly used by locals. The gate perfectly encapsulates the confluence of different eras and cultures, standing as a harmonious blend of Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman influences that define Antalya's rich heritage.

Visitor Perspective

Experiencing Hadrian's Gate is an essential part of any visit to Antalya. It is freely accessible to the public at all hours, allowing for both daytime exploration and atmospheric evening visits when the marble is beautifully illuminated.

As you approach, the grandeur of the white marble and intricately carved details become apparent. Walking through the central archway, one instinctively looks up at the coffered ceilings with their rosette patterns and down at the ancient wheel ruts visible beneath the glass panel. It's a moment of profound connection to history, imagining the countless individuals who have walked this very path over two millennia.

Hadrian's Gate serves as the ideal starting point for exploring Kaleiçi. On one side, you have the modern city; on the other, the winding cobblestone streets of the old town beckon, filled with historical houses, shops, and cafes. While passing through, visitors often pause, caught between two worlds, making it a perfect spot for reflection and photography. For the best experience and fewer crowds, visiting during the milder spring or autumn months, or in the early morning or late evening, is highly recommended.