Hadrian’s Gate, one of the landmarks of Antalya’s historic Kaleiçi district, has stood for nearly 1,900 years, reflecting the city’s rich history with its ornate decorations and impressive architecture.
Hadrian’s Gate, popularly known as “Üçkapılar” (Three Gates), is one of Antalya’s best-preserved historical landmarks.
The structure was built as a monumental triumphal arch atop the city walls in A.D. 130 to commemorate Roman Emperor Hadrian’s visit to Antalya. It is made largely of white marble, with the exception of the column shafts.
The gate consists of three symmetrical arches, each 4.15 meters (13.6 feet) wide and 6.18 meters (20.3 feet) high. Its towers, which stand at around 15 meters (49.2 feet) high, make the structure particularly striking, while the gate itself reaches 8 meters (26.2 feet) in height.
Richly decorated with reliefs and carvings, the gate features coffered sections on its ceiling adorned with flower patterns resembling daisies, along with fruit and leaf motifs. The decorations are believed to represent crops grown in Antalya and the surrounding area in antiquity, as well as the fertility of the region.
