Iznik Ancient Walls and Lefke Gate: 5 Kilometer Roman Victory Gate Guide

The World's Best Preserved 5 Kilometer Ancient Walls

Iznik, the ancient city of Bursa, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, is a rare open-air archaeological laboratory in the world, with its 4,970-meter-long historical walls surrounding it like a shield. Its first foundations date back to B.C. The walls built by Antigonos, commander of Alexander the Great, in 316; It was strengthened with bastions added on top of each other during the Roman, Byzantine, Anatolian Seljuk and Ottoman periods.

114 semicircular and polygonal defense towers rise along the pentagonal planned city wall line. The most impressive aspect of the walls is that they have largely preserved their three-stage defense architecture, including moats, front walls and main walls, until today.

Lefke Gate (Eastern Gate) and Roman Triumphal Arch

Lefke Gate, which is the main protocol entrance to the east of the city, dates back to A.D. It is a monumental three-eyed Roman Triumphal Arch built by the then Governor of Bithynia, M. Plancius Varus, on behalf of the Roman Emperor Vespasian between 70-79.

• Marble Reliefs and Friezes: Battle scenes, mythological reliefs and victory wreaths are engraved on the marble blocks of the gate.
• Spolia Stone Richness: Marble sarcophagus pieces and inscribed blocks brought from ancient theaters and temples were used in the repair of the walls; This turns the walls into a stone library exhibited outdoors.
• Aqueduct Connection:The Roman aqueducts passing right next to the Lefke Gate are masterpieces of ancient engineering that carry clean mountain water from the foothills of Uludağ to the city.
• Other Main Gates: In addition to the Lefke Gate, the Istanbul Gate with its magnificent mask reliefs in the north, the Yenişehir Gate in the south and the Lake Gate opening to the lake constitute the four main axes of the city.

Where are the Iznik Walls and Lefke Gate and How to Get There?

Lefke Gate is located at the eastern entrance of Iznik district center, at the point where Kılıçaslan Street meets the city walls.

• By walking: From Iznik Hagia Sophia Square, you can walk straight east along Kılıçaslan Street and reach the Lefke Gate in 10 minutes.
• By vehicle: While coming to Iznik from Bursa via Yenişehir, the Lefke Gate welcomes you with all its splendor at the eastern entrance.
• Parking: There are large pockets around the door and in the parking area to leave vehicles.

Special Recommendations of Our Bursa Editor

• Wall Walk and Photography: Take photos of the gate and aqueducts in the early morning hours as the sunlight filters through the marble arches of the Lefke Gate.
• Istanbul Gate Masks: After seeing the Lefke Gate, walk to the Istanbul Gate in the north and be sure to examine the ancient tragedy mask reliefs on the door pediment.