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The ancient city of Antalya was protected by two walls, in the shape of a horseshoe, one running along the shoreline and the other inland. There were also walls built specifically to separate settlements from eachother and watch towers were built every fifty feet or so along the outer walls. These walls date back to ancient times when the Romans built on the Hellenic foundations. Eventually these were widened and repaired by the Selchuks.


Many stone blocks with ancient inscriptions were used and the walls were well protected until the 19th century. Some remains of the walls can still be seen today as well as a few turrets, Hadrian's Gate, the Clock Tower and the Hidirlik Tower. Nowadays the ancient city centre surrounded by sea and land walls is called the Kaleiçi. The streets and buildings still bear the marks of Antalya's history. The characteristics of the old houses tell not only a tale of architecture but also reflect the social lives, customs and habits of the people who dwelled in old Antalya and provide us with much valuable information about that time.