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10 places to visit in the Muratpaşa district of Antalya: Kaleiçi (Antalya Old Town), Hadrian Gate (Üçkapılar) and Yivli Minare Mosque. Plan your trip to Muratpaşa with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Muratpaşa is one of the districts of Antalya. It covers 96 km², lies 40 m above sea level, has a population of 510,887 and became a district in 2008. It has 64 neighbourhoods, and there are no towns, villages, nomadic camps or hamlets within the district boundaries.

History

The history of Muratpaşa runs parallel to the history of Antalya as a city, since the district is the oldest settlement in the Antalya metropolitan area. In the Hellenistic period, Attalus II, King of Pergamon, founded a port city here, known as “Attaleia”. It was incorporated into Roman territory in 77 BC by the commander Servilius Isauricus. The visit of Hadrian to Attaleia in 130 AD led to the city’s development.

Kaleiçi and Historic Monuments

Kaleiçi, the first urban settlement of Antalya, lies within the district and contains many important historic monuments. The Yivli Minare has been a symbol of Antalya since the 13th century. Hadrian Gate (Üçkapılar) was built to commemorate the visit of the Roman Emperor Hadrian to Antalya in 130.

Cultural Life

The district is home to the stages of the Antalya State Theatre and the Antalya Municipal Theatre. Important museums within the district boundaries include the Antalya Museum, the Antalya Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, and the Atatürk Museum and House.

Infrastructure

Two tram lines operate in the district, running west-east and southeast-northwest.

History and Culture

Kaleiçi, the first settlement of Antalya, lies within the boundaries of Muratpaşa. In the Hellenistic period, Attalus II, King of Pergamon, founded a port city here. The district’s name comes from the mosque built by Murat Paşa, the Bey of Karaman. The Yivli Minare Mosque has been on UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites since 2016. Hadrian Gate was revealed in 1882 when the remains of the city walls were demolished. The Ethnography Museum was established by converting two historic Ottoman-period mansions.

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Places to Visit in Muratpaşa

  • 1 Historic
  • 2 Ancient City
  • 1 Religious
  • 3 Museum
  • 1 Nature
  • 1 Beach
  • 1 Cultural

Historic Sites 1

Historic

Karatay Madrasa

A Seljuk-period madrasa in Kaleiçi, dated to 1250.

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Ancient Cities 2

Hadrian Gate (Üçkapılar) - Muratpaşa
Ancient City

Hadrian Gate (Üçkapılar)

A historic gate built to commemorate the visit of the Roman Emperor Hadrian to Antalya in 130.

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Ancient City

Hadrian Gate

A historic gate in the Kaleiçi area of Muratpaşa district.

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Religious Buildings 1

Yivli Minare Mosque - Muratpaşa Photo: Bernard Gagnon (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source
Religious

Yivli Minare Mosque

A historic mosque that has been a symbol of Antalya since the 13th century.

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Museums 3

Museum

Antalya Museum

An important museum within the boundaries of Muratpaşa district.

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Museum

Antalya Ethnography Museum

An ethnography museum in the Kaleiçi area of Muratpaşa.

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Museum

Suna-İnan Kıraç Kaleiçi Museum

A private museum in Kaleiçi, made up of two registered buildings.

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Natural Wonders 1

Düden Waterfall (Aşağı Düden) - Muratpaşa
Nature

Düden Waterfall (Aşağı Düden)

A natural waterfall on the boundary of Muratpaşa district.

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Beaches and Coves 1

Beach

Lara Beach

A seafront in Muratpaşa district that attracts tourists.

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Cultural Venues 1

Kaleiçi (Antalya Old Town) - Muratpaşa Photo: Dennis G. Jarvis (CC BY-SA 2.0) · Source
Cultural

Kaleiçi (Antalya Old Town)

The first urban settlement of Antalya and the most important area of the district, home to many historic monuments.

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Places to Visit Around Antalya Province

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While you are in Muratpaşa, you can also see the highlights of Antalya province. These places are in other districts.

  • Kaleiçi — The historic city centre, enclosed by sea and land walls, is the heart of Antalya, with streets that carry Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman layers and restored old Antalya houses.
  • Yivli Minaret — A 13th-century Seljuk work and the symbol of Antalya, with an eight-fluted shaft of brick and turquoise tiles rising from a cut-stone base.
  • Düden Waterfalls — The Düden Stream splits into two branches to form two waterfalls: Upper Düden near Varsak, and Lower Düden (Karpuzkaldıran) near Lara, which plunges straight from the cliffs into the sea.
  • Kurşunlu Waterfall — A waterfall that drops 18 metres inside a 2-km canyon, 7 km off the Antalya–Isparta road at its 24th km, with seven small pools; it has been open to visitors as a nature park since 1986.
  • Perge Ancient City — Perge, in Aksu 18 km east of Antalya, was once the capital of Pamphylia and counted among the richest cities of the ancient world in the Hellenistic period.
  • Aspendos — A Pamphylian city founded 8 km east of Serik, where the Köprüçay reaches the plain; its theatre, built by the Romans in the 2nd century AD, is among the best-preserved theatres of the ancient world and still hosts performances today.

Practical Information for Visiting Muratpaşa

Suggested time
2-3 days
Best time to visit
April-November
Places to visit
10 places

What to Eat in Muratpaşa

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  • Antalya Piyaz

    Antalya piyaz, made with dried beans, onion, parsley, tahini and lemon, is the city's signature dish. Traditional restaurants in Muratpaşa serve it in their own distinctive recipes.

  • Şiş Köfte

    Antalya-style şiş köfte is prepared by kneading finely minced meat with spices, threading it onto skewers and grilling it over embers. It is served with piyaz.

  • Hibeş

    Hibeş, made with tahini, lemon juice, garlic and spices, is one of the distinctive mezes of Antalya cuisine.

  • Bergamot Jam

    A jam made from bergamot fruit, which is native to Antalya. Its slightly bittersweet flavour makes it a special treat at breakfast tables.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Muratpaşa

  • Kaleiçi Historic Fabric

    Kaleiçi is a living historic centre that brings together the architectural layers of the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman periods. Boutique hotels, art galleries and cafés on its narrow streets combine the historic fabric with modern life.

  • Golden Orange Film Festival

    The Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival, held every year since 1964, is Türkiye's most prestigious cinema event. During the festival, venues in Muratpaşa are filled with film enthusiasts.

  • Mediterranean Lifestyle

    Muratpaşa has all the elements of the Mediterranean way of life. Open-air cafés, seafront walks, fresh seafood and a warm climate raise the quality of life in the district.

Local Products

  • Citrus Fruit — Oranges, mandarins and lemons, the symbols of Antalya, are also grown in the rural areas of Muratpaşa.
  • Tahini — Tahini, produced from sesame seeds, is an indispensable ingredient of Antalya cuisine. It is widely used in piyaz, hibeş and desserts.

Economy

Muratpaşa is the central district of Antalya, and tourism, services and trade form the basis of its economy. Kaleiçi and the Lara area are where the hotel and restaurant sector is concentrated. Shopping malls, business centres and commercial areas contribute to the district's economy.

How to Get to Muratpaşa

Muratpaşa is the central district of Antalya. The Antalya Light Rail System (Antray) runs through the district. Municipal buses serve all neighbourhoods. Antalya Airport is 10 km away.

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Muratpaşa: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main things to see in Muratpaşa?

The highlights of Muratpaşa are ten places: Kaleiçi (Antalya Old Town), Hadrian Gate (Üçkapılar), Yivli Minare Mosque, Antalya Museum, Lara Beach, Düden Waterfall (Aşağı Düden), Hadrian Gate, Karatay Madrasa, Antalya Ethnography Museum and Suna-İnan Kıraç Kaleiçi Museum.

What should I eat in Muratpaşa?

Antalya Piyaz, Şiş Köfte, Hibeş and Bergamot Jam are the standout dishes on Muratpaşa's tables.

What is Muratpaşa famous for?

Muratpaşa is known for citrus fruit and the Kaleiçi Historic Fabric. The oranges, mandarins and lemons that symbolise Antalya are also grown in the rural areas of Muratpaşa.

How do I get to Muratpaşa?

Muratpaşa is the central district of Antalya. The Antalya Light Rail System (Antray) runs through the district. Municipal buses serve all neighbourhoods. Antalya Airport is 10 km away.

How long should I spend in Muratpaşa?

Suggested visit length: 2-3 days. Best time to visit: April-November.

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