Red Tower (Kızıl Kule)

Built in 1226 to protect the harbour and the shipyard, the octagonal Red Tower is one of the most recognisable landmarks of Alanya and now houses an ethnography museum.

About

The Red Tower was commissioned by Alaeddin Keykubad I in 1226 and built by the architect Ebu Ali of Aleppo. The octagonal tower stands about 33 metres high and takes its name from the red brick of its upper levels.

It was designed to protect the harbour and the neighbouring Seljuk shipyard from attacks by sea. Today it hosts an ethnographic exhibition about traditional life in the region, and its upper floors offer views of the harbour and the castle.

From the tower you can follow the sea walls to the shipyard and take a break in the cafés and restaurants around the harbour.

Highlights

• Octagonal Seljuk architecture
• Ethnography exhibition
• Views of the harbour and castle
• Walk along the walls to the shipyard

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