Alanya Castle

قلعه آلانیا

Alanya Castle

Alanya castle symbol of Alanya’s strategic importance throughout history, the castle sits proudly on a rocky outcrop in the city center. Encircled by 4 miles (6 kilometers) of walls, it houses ruins from Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Seljuk civilizations.

The castle is surrounded by a series of historic towers and cisterns which offer glimpses into a bygone era. The castle is a must-see on your trip to Alanya.

It Is A Symbol Of Alanya

Located on the jutting peninsula of Alanya, Alanya Castle is a symbol of this district. It has 6.5 kilometers of walls that were erected in the Seljuk period, making it a strategic point of defense.

It is also a great place to explore the history of this city. You can take a tour of the castle and visit all of its historic sites.

The Red Tower, which was added to the castle in 1226, is a very important part of the structure. It was built to protect Alanya from sea attacks.

Another historical site that you should not miss during your visit to the castle is the Damlatas cave. This cave was accidentally discovered during mining operations in 1948 and it is considered as a great place to cure respiratory complaints and asthma.

Aside from these cultural tours, there are several other things you can do in Alanya. For example, you can go to the Kleopatra beach, where Queen Cleopatra of Egypt and her husband, Marcus Antonius, used to swim.

It Is A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Topping a headland that juts out into the sparkling Mediterranean, Alanya’s castle has been a home to a seafaring community for more than 2,000 years. With its watchtower-studded battlements and holes through which hot oil was poured onto enemies, it is an architectural gem worth exploring.

Built in the 13th century, the castle traces its roots to remnants of earlier Roman and Byzantine fortifications. After it was pacified under the Ottoman Empire, it became less purely defensive, and many private villas were built inside its walls during the 19th century.

Today, a huge part of the castle is open to the public as an open-air museum. Hikers can hike the entire length of its fortifications, or enjoy sweeping ocean views from its promontory. Access to the seaward castle is ticketed, but most of its landward portion can be toured for free.

Alanya Castle
Alanya Castle

It Is A Tourist Destination

Alanya is best known for its seaside resorts, and from June to August northern Europeans flock here to enjoy a laid-back beach vacation. But beyond its beaches, stone walls and well-preserved fortifications encircle a castle district jutting into the Mediterranean on a peninsula’s high cliffs.

The inner castle contains relics of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman civilizations. It’s a hefty hike to climb up the slope, but the reward is a breathtaking view of the city and mountains.

Afterwards, head to the harbor for views across the harbor and Turkey’s only remaining example of a Seljuk-era shipyard. Or, skip the walking and jump on a tour boat for day-long cruises around the dramatic rocky headland with plenty of stops at sea caves.

It Is A Must-See

A trip to Alanya is not complete without a visit to its iconic castle. It has a UNESCO World Heritage Site status and is a must-see for all visitors to the city.

Alanya Castle can be reached via public buses or a cable car, and you can also take a walk along the hill from the city center. However, you will need to be prepared for a steep climb.

If you want to see the castle from above, a good option is to book a boat trip. These cruises offer prime views of Alanya’s fortifications and pristine beaches, and there are also caves to explore.

The Alanya Archaeological Museum is another popular attraction, with exhibits from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Seljuk eras. The museum features mosaics, bronze items, and ancient coins. It is a must-visit for history buffs and also offers a garden, which used to be an Ottoman graveyard.

Join The Discussion

Compare listings

Compare