A Historical Discovery in Antalya: Following Roman Traces in 1 Day

If you have limited time in Antalya and want to delve into the city's historical depths, this one-day itinerary is perfect for you. Get ready for a delightful journey following the footsteps of the Roman Empire, starting from Hadrian's Gate, extending to the ancient olive village of Lyrboton Kome, and from there to the magnificent Perge, Sillyon, and Aspendos Aqueducts. This trip, with a total of five stops, will allow you to explore ancient structures both close to the city center and intertwined with nature.

Hadrian's Gate (Üçkapılar)

The first grand structure to greet you as you enter Antalya's Kaleiçi is Hadrian's Gate. Built in 130 AD to commemorate the visit of Roman Emperor Hadrian, this three-arched monument is one of the city's best-preserved Roman structures. The delicate marble work on the gate and its combination with towers from the Seljuk period present the architecture of different eras together. Its central location makes it an ideal stop to start your day. You can allocate about half an hour.

Lyrboton Kome Ancient City

Located in Varsak Neighborhood of Kepez district, Lyrboton Kome is an ancient olive village with a history of approximately 2,200 years. This settlement, which was connected to Perge during the Roman period, was once the region's olive oil production center. With walking trails and informative panels arranged in an archaeopark concept, you can see the traces of olive oil production in ancient times. Exploring such a historical area within the city offers an interesting experience. You can allocate about an hour and a half here.

Perge Ancient City

Located in Antalya's Aksu district, 17-18 km from the city center, Perge was the capital of the Pamphylia Region. With its theater, stadium, agora, and colonnaded street, it is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in Anatolia. Details such as the Hellenistic city gate and the ancient water canal system reveal the city's richness and engineering knowledge. It is advisable to allocate at least an hour and a half for exploring here.

Sillyon Ancient City

Sillyon, built on a rocky hill approximately 600 meters above sea level in Yanköy Neighborhood of Serik district, is one of the well-preserved ancient cities of the Pamphylia region. It offers a different atmosphere with its rock-carved theater, Byzantine and Hellenistic period walls, and panoramic views extending to the Pamphylian plain. Ideal for a quiet exploration away from the crowds. You can spend about an hour and a half here as well.

Aspendos Aqueducts

The last stop on the route, the Aspendos Aqueducts, are located in Serik district. Built in the 2nd century AD and reaching approximately 15 meters in height, these aqueducts are an important example of ancient engineering with their siphon water distribution system. The stone channel in the upper part of the aqueducts and the view of the Köprüçay valley are worth seeing. You can spend about an hour and a half at this structure, which also attracts attention due to its proximity to the ancient city.

This one-day historical route in Antalya takes you from the heart of the city to its important ancient heritage sites. It would be beneficial to use a private vehicle or consider taxi/car rental options for transportation, as distances between locations can take some time with public transport. At the end of your trip, you can enjoy Mediterranean cuisine at a traditional restaurant in Kaleiçi.