Antalya. Turkey. Day 9. Part 2
We left La Mer hotel in the morning and drove to our next destination which was another hotel in the Kale Ici (Inner Bailey) area of Antalya. On our way, we stopped by Beldibi Cave which was situated at the side of a cliff facing the sea.
Beldibi Cave
This cave was excavated between 1960 to 1966 by Prof Bostanci. Six layers were excavated which consists of the classical Neolithic, Mezolithic and Upper Palaeolithic ages. This rock cave is fenced off from visitors in order to protect the site.
Cave motif
Now if you look really closely at the middle of the photograph, you can see the cave motif in iron oxide depicting humans and a small mountain goat. I didn't have my olympus with me so I cannot zoom up close. It is there, exposed to all the natural elements. The site has already been damaged somewhat by natural forces and parts of the cave roof have fallen down. But it is still so cool to see cave motifs still there on the site! My first time.
The majestic Taurus mountains
While we were driwing to the Kale Ici area, we passed by the sea and the majestic Taurus mountains. The sea is on the left side of the photograph.
In the Kale Ici area
The Kale Ici area houses the ancient city center. Old historical buildings can be found in this area as you walk along the narrow paths. So at most times, it is either you or the car. The houses in this area are unique and reflect the architecture of that time. It is still preserved to this day. Some of the old houses had been restored and converted into pensions (small hotels). In fact, in this area, there are only pensions around and you cannot find big fancy hotels. I would suggest staying in these pensions as you can enjoy and appreciate the architecture and the feeling of the place rather than staying at one of the beach hotels.
One of the shops in Kale Ici area
In addition to the pensions, some of the buildings have been converted into quaint beautiful restaurants and shops selling souveniours such as the beautiful and yet very expensive Turkish carpets, rugs, ornaments and so on. Some have also been converted into pubs blasting loud music.
The Hadrian Arch
The ancient city is protected by the city walls and which you can still see today. This Roman Hadrian Gate was built in 130 A.D. in honour of Emperor Hadrian. This gate is considered Pamphylia's most beautiful gate. The gate, except for the pillars is built entirely of marble.
Close up of the gate
This gate is situated at a unique position as one side of the gate you have the ancient city area and on the other side is the bustling, modern Antalya with shops, restaurants, pubs etc.
Simit bread
Today was just a day to relax and walk around Antalya city, looking at shops etc. We stopped for a brief lunch at Ankara's simitsi shop. Simit is very popular in Turkey and you can find it everywhere, in bakeries, on the streets...you name it. It is bread with sesame seeds and it is cheap and delicious! So if you are broke, then go for the simit! There are all sorts of shapes and sizes and the most common shape is the ring shape sprinkled with sesame seed. Mine had something stuffed in it but I have forgotten what it was!
At the kebab restaurant. Salad
We spent the day walking around the modern shopping area, hopping into shops in search for nice and yet affordable swimming suits. Antalya isn't really known for its cuisine and there are many kebab restaurants around. So we stopped at one for dinner. I was hungry.
Kebab with rice
I ordered kebab with pilaf. Hah, I had forgotten just what sort of kebab this is. But it is beef.....I think. Man, just looking at the picture....I am hungry!
The marina
So after dinner...full stomach and with deep satisfaction, we walked back to our hotel in the Kale Ici area. Passed by many souveniour shops and stopped at some to buy stuffs. We also stopped by a cafe which has a nice view of the marina and had coffee while enjoying the night view.
next up, Day 10, Antalya
Beldibi Cave
This cave was excavated between 1960 to 1966 by Prof Bostanci. Six layers were excavated which consists of the classical Neolithic, Mezolithic and Upper Palaeolithic ages. This rock cave is fenced off from visitors in order to protect the site.
Cave motif
Now if you look really closely at the middle of the photograph, you can see the cave motif in iron oxide depicting humans and a small mountain goat. I didn't have my olympus with me so I cannot zoom up close. It is there, exposed to all the natural elements. The site has already been damaged somewhat by natural forces and parts of the cave roof have fallen down. But it is still so cool to see cave motifs still there on the site! My first time.
The majestic Taurus mountains
While we were driwing to the Kale Ici area, we passed by the sea and the majestic Taurus mountains. The sea is on the left side of the photograph.
In the Kale Ici area
The Kale Ici area houses the ancient city center. Old historical buildings can be found in this area as you walk along the narrow paths. So at most times, it is either you or the car. The houses in this area are unique and reflect the architecture of that time. It is still preserved to this day. Some of the old houses had been restored and converted into pensions (small hotels). In fact, in this area, there are only pensions around and you cannot find big fancy hotels. I would suggest staying in these pensions as you can enjoy and appreciate the architecture and the feeling of the place rather than staying at one of the beach hotels.
One of the shops in Kale Ici area
In addition to the pensions, some of the buildings have been converted into quaint beautiful restaurants and shops selling souveniours such as the beautiful and yet very expensive Turkish carpets, rugs, ornaments and so on. Some have also been converted into pubs blasting loud music.
The Hadrian Arch
The ancient city is protected by the city walls and which you can still see today. This Roman Hadrian Gate was built in 130 A.D. in honour of Emperor Hadrian. This gate is considered Pamphylia's most beautiful gate. The gate, except for the pillars is built entirely of marble.
Close up of the gate
This gate is situated at a unique position as one side of the gate you have the ancient city area and on the other side is the bustling, modern Antalya with shops, restaurants, pubs etc.
Simit bread
Today was just a day to relax and walk around Antalya city, looking at shops etc. We stopped for a brief lunch at Ankara's simitsi shop. Simit is very popular in Turkey and you can find it everywhere, in bakeries, on the streets...you name it. It is bread with sesame seeds and it is cheap and delicious! So if you are broke, then go for the simit! There are all sorts of shapes and sizes and the most common shape is the ring shape sprinkled with sesame seed. Mine had something stuffed in it but I have forgotten what it was!
At the kebab restaurant. Salad
We spent the day walking around the modern shopping area, hopping into shops in search for nice and yet affordable swimming suits. Antalya isn't really known for its cuisine and there are many kebab restaurants around. So we stopped at one for dinner. I was hungry.
Kebab with rice
I ordered kebab with pilaf. Hah, I had forgotten just what sort of kebab this is. But it is beef.....I think. Man, just looking at the picture....I am hungry!
The marina
So after dinner...full stomach and with deep satisfaction, we walked back to our hotel in the Kale Ici area. Passed by many souveniour shops and stopped at some to buy stuffs. We also stopped by a cafe which has a nice view of the marina and had coffee while enjoying the night view.
next up, Day 10, Antalya
posted by AL LEE at 8:57 PM
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