The work on the “Hıdırlık Tower Surroundings Archaeological Excavation and Observation Terrace Project”, which is currently under construction by the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality, is nearing completion. The observation terrace, where exciting works such as the Roman Period columned street structure thought to extend to Hadrian’s Gate, the inscribed mosaic with dolphin figures, the ice factory and the ruins of an ancient bathhouse will be exhibited, will become the city’s open-air museum.
As a result of the archaeological excavations initiated by the Metropolitan Municipality in 2020 in line with the decision of the Preservation Board in order to turn Hıdırlık Tower, one of Antalya's cultural heritage and historical structures, into a touristic attraction center, ancient ruins and structures were unearthed in the region. With the Hıdırlık Tower Surroundings Archaeological Excavation and Observation Terrace Project carried out by the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality, visitors will be able to examine the ruins on the glass surfaces on the walking path and watch the Mediterranean view from the section created on the cliffs.
HISTORY AND LANDSCAPE ON THE CLIFFS
The restoration and conservation works in the area were completed by the Metropolitan Municipality Department of Technical Affairs, and the architectural work of the project is ongoing. The wooden cladding and glass surfaces where ancient ruins can be viewed on the north and south sides of the tower, as well as the installation of transparent glass railings surrounding the area so that they do not affect the silhouette of the cliffs, have been largely completed. The teams are making the final touches in the area.
ROMAN MOSAIC WITH DOLPHIN FISH
During the archaeological excavations carried out by archaeologists under the supervision of Antalya Museum Directorate and KUDEB, an inscribed mosaic thought to belong to the Late Roman Period was unearthed in the southeastern part of the tower. After this exciting archaeological discovery, the mosaic was revealed for the first time after the cleaning and research work of the archaeologists. The mosaic contains a 6-line inscription and two dolphin figures. Authorities also stated that there is a different mosaic residue thought to belong to the Roman Period in the sub-code of the mosaic.
COLUMNED STREET FROM HIDIRLIK TO HADRIAN'S GATE
Another exciting archaeological discovery of the project is that the columned structure from the Roman period unearthed on the south side of the Tower is the columned street extending to Hadrian's Gate. Visitors will have the opportunity to see the columned structure up close, which will shed light on the city's history, thanks to the observation terrace.
