Alanya Castle

The symbol of Alanya, the castle crowns the peninsula with Seljuk-era walls, historic buildings and a unique view over both of the city's bays.

About

Alanya Castle took its present form after the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I took the city in 1221. Around 6.5 km of walls and more than 140 towers encircle the peninsula, making it one of the most impressive medieval sites on the Mediterranean coast.

The castle has three sections: Ehmedek, the Inner Castle and the Outer Castle. Inside the walls you will find the Süleymaniye Mosque, the Bedesten, the Akşebe Tomb, the remains of a Byzantine church and traditional Alanya houses that are still lived in. Alanya has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List since 2009.

The real reward is the view: Cleopatra Beach on one side, the harbour and the Red Tower on the other, with the Taurus Mountains behind. Sunset here is unforgettable.

Highlights

• Panoramic views over both bays
• Seljuk walls and towers
• Süleymaniye Mosque, Bedesten and Akşebe Tomb
• A walk among historic Alanya houses

Photo: Julian Lupyan · CC0 1.0 · Wikimedia Commons (source)