May 15, 2022

May 15, 2022

We set out to explore Antalya, Turkey this morning. A block away is Hadrian's Gate. This is a triumphal entrance in the city wall that was built to honor the visit of the Emperor in 130 AD.

Hall of Emperors

We then take a long stroll west to visit the Antalya Museum. It thunders the whole way but we get lucky and the rain doesn’t let loose till we get inside. This archeological museum starts with some general Greco-Roman exhibits covering the materials used including textile spinning and weaving, glass, bronze, and a variety of ceramics. But what makes this museum special is the superb collection of statuary that was found in the local area, especially at the Roman site of Perge just ten miles east of here. The quality of these monumental statues is astounding and they rival the ones we saw in Istanbul. In particular the sculpture comes from the late Roman period when artists became freer and produced the most elaborate pieces. Statues with free-flowing robes and extended poses are much more fragile and less likely to survive.

Dionysus Sarcophagus

There is also a great collection of sarcophagi found in Perge. Many are very elaborate and quite a few are decorated with Hercules and his twelve labors for some reason. I have to say though my favorite is one that has Aphrodite and a number of intertwined figures on it.

For lunch we eat at another outdoor cafe overlooking the bay. We have fish soup and a green salad. We think it has either pesto or avocado paste in it. The dressing is the Turkish traditional olive oil with some kind of sweet Pomegranate vinegar. Again it is both delicious and inexpensive.

Afterwards we stroll along the shoreline checking out the overlooks, the harbor, and tourist shops. There are snippets of the original city walls along our walk. We also tried the local ice cream for the first time. We have been reluctant because ordering it often comes with an amusing but lengthy comic routine. Back at the hotel we relaxed for a few hours. We had dinner at the same seaside restaurant as last night.