Hadrian's Gate - Pamphylia's Most Beautiful Gate Still In Use

Online, July 5, 2011 (Newswire.com) - An opulent port Attaleia was frequently attacked by pirates or plunderers who robbed the wealth of this valuable harbor. For this reason defensive walls with several gates were built to make the place better fortified and increase level of safety measures. The most impressive of these, and the only one surviving, is Hadrian's Gate, a monumental triple-arched portal (construction inspired by the Roman triumphal arch) which was created in 130 AD to immortalize Emperor Hadrian's visit to the city.Region of Antalya was frequently honoured by high-life visitors such as Sultan Belkis, the Queen of Sheba, who passed Hadrian's Gate during her travel to King Salomon and was spellbound with the Aspendos Palace.

Previously city walls were fencing the outside of the gate which was not used for many years. The results of that fact can be easily seen nowadays - Hadrian's Gate has not been harmed much, and it was only revealed when the walls collapsed. The construction, except pillars is made of white marble with very striking ornamentation fraught with numerous sculptures. Towers, on either side of the gate have not been built at the same time. The southern one, Julia Sancta tower, made of plain stone blocks originally comes from Hadrian era while the base of the northern tower is dated for antiquity. The upper part of gate is an inheritance left by Seljuks.

The Hadrianus Gate, as a whole, amazes many visitors with its palpable tracks of the past. Noteworthy are the decorative marble columns and the coffered ceiling in the arches. Surprising thing are deep and well-preserved slots and grooves in the pavement below the central arch, remained by the wheels of thousands historic vehicles entering and leaving the city for ages. The Hadrian's Gate is an eagerly visited place especially that a boulevard with extensive park on the east side of the gate are main spots for inhabitants' meetings.

The Hadrian's Gate is said to be one of the most amazing spots in Antalya. But, what is most surprising, the gate is still in use. It leads into Kaleiçi (Old Antalya) and Hesapçi Sokak, with its several pensions and boutique hotels. The elegant Tuvana Hotel, situated in Antalya's historic centre only 450 metres from Hadrian's Gate, surrounded by gardens is the place where history is still alive. It features an outdoor pool and spacious guestrooms with traditional Ottoman decor. During stay in this unquestionable gem of history, guests can feel the atmosphere of magical past.