Hidirlik Tower is a famous Roman building located in Antalya. The researchers found that it was built around the second century AD in the southern part of the bay. Apparently, at that time it served as a beacon or served as a reliable stronghold for defense.
Description
Hidirlik Tower looks like a massive and huge drum, which is located on a square base. Most likely, this structure was built in the Hellenistic period. The total height of the building itself is about thirteen and a half meters.
When describing the Hidirlik tower, it should be noted that the entrance is located in the eastern facade, where there is a special door. From there, from the small hall, you can get to the upper floor via a narrow staircase. According to the descriptions that have come down to our time, the tower used to have a gabled roof. Presumably, it was demolished during the existence of the Byzantine Empire.
Currently, there is a huge square block of stone inside the Hidirlik tower itself. As a result, some historians suggestthat this place could have been used as a tomb in previous centuries.
Location
Hidirlik Tower is located in the southeastern part of the Kaleici quarter. This is one of the areas of the port and resort city of Antalya in the very south of Turkey, stretching on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The building stands right on the border of Karaalioglu Park.
This is one of the most famous attractions in the region, visited by about three hundred thousand tourists every year. Her exact address is Kılınçarslan Mh. 07100 Antalya, Turkey. Now we will tell you how to get to the Hidirlik tower.
There are several options on how to see this attraction in the historical district of Kaleici. From the airport or train station you can go by bus. You will need route number 600 or 600a. Get off at the Sarampol Caddesi stop and from there walk one block in the direction of Kaleiçi. The fare in public transport will be 1.7 Turkish Lira (20 RUB).
If you are already in the oldest quarter of Antalya, then follow Hesapçi sokak street. You should walk towards the sea for about ten minutes. The tower will be at the very end of the street, on the embankment.
Being in Antalya itself, you can get to the sights by taking a tram or bus to Karaalioglu Park. As an alternative - dolmysh (local public transport, which would be best compared with our fixed-route taxis). The fare on it will be from one to one and a half Turkish liras (11-17 rubles).
Finally, the most comfortable option is to order a taxi. By the way,do not forget that it is customary to bargain with everyone here, including taxi drivers. During the trip, if you do it skillfully, you can significantly reduce the price.
History of Appearance
The foundation date of the Hidirlik tower dates back to the second century AD, when the Romans ruled in these parts. At the same time, archaeologists and historians have not yet been able to establish the exact purpose of the building. We have already told the main versions, now we will dwell on them in more detail.
Some researchers believe that the Hidirlik tower in Antalya is a lighthouse. The ships that entered the bay were guided by its light. This version is confirmed by the fact that the tower is well visible from the sea, therefore, in reality, it can serve as a good landmark.
According to other historians, it was a defensive structure. They come to this conclusion because of the very type of structure, as well as the impressive thickness of its walls. It is believed that it could be a fortress or a real bastion that protected the ancient city from attacks from the sea. In those centuries, raids on neighboring settlements and even states were very common.
Ancient Tomb
According to another version that appeared relatively recently, it was a tomb or some kind of tomb. The researchers came to this conclusion after studying the architecture of the structure. The Romans erected structures of just this type for mausoleums and tombs (outwardly, it strongly resembles in shapeRoman basilica). For example, it could be a tomb for some major Roman official or his entire family.
In particular, scientists came to this conclusion after they discovered an impressive block on the territory of the tower itself, which has a square shape and is located inside the hall. Supposedly, it could weigh several tons.
All this makes us once again amazed at the perseverance and skill of the ancient builders who managed to implement such projects without modern technology. At the same time, it is worth recognizing that the latest version has not yet received a single confirmation, since excavations have not yet been able to find a single burial.
It is believed that the tower could also perform religious functions. A large number of frescoes have been preserved on the walls inside Hidirlik. Today, several hundred tourists a day rise to its top to view the surroundings from a kind of observation deck.
Appearance
If you are figuring out what to see in Antalya, be sure to put this attraction on your list. Let us clarify that the tower is located in the historical quarter of the city at the intersection of Khesapchi and Khidirlyk streets.
In appearance and style, the structure is somewhat different from the rest of Antalya's architecture, which seems to be more airy and neat. At the same time, the attraction remains its bright feature, an example of ancient architecture, of which there are not so many left on the planet. The building is made up of huge stone blocks.large reddish brown bricks.
Architecture Features
The height of the building is about thirteen and a half meters. The tower itself stands on a square base, while having a cylindrical shape. Interestingly, the base was built much earlier than the tower itself. In separate documentary sources and ancient manuscripts, it was possible to find references to the fact that in previous centuries the tower was crowned with a pointed dome, but it has not survived to our time. Presumably, it was deliberately destroyed during the existence of the Byzantine Empire.
In the upper part of the tower today you can see the restoration work that was carried out during the Seljuk era. After going through the door inside, you can climb the stairs to the top, where today the Turkish national flag flutters. Here, if you wish, you can walk along the fortress walls.
Modern features
Interestingly, nowadays the tower is used not only as an attraction that attracts a large number of tourists. There is a chamber theater in which historical performances are staged.
In the evenings, the fortress walls turn on the backlight, which allows you to imagine what kind of picture in ancient times opened from here to the gaze of sailors who entered the bay on their ships.
Helpful tips
When visiting this attraction, you should be especiallyattentive on the stairs to the second floor. It is very narrow with high steep steps. So for safety, stay close to the wall and take your time.
If you use a taxi, then remember that in Turkey there is a night rate: from midnight to six in the morning, the cost of the trip doubles.
You can take pictures of Turkish people, especially women, only with their permission. If the fair sex wears a black cape, it is strictly forbidden to take it off.
