Alanya Castle

Description

It is a castle from the Seljuk period that dominates the Mediterranean.

Story

Alanya Castle was rebuilt during the reign of Seljuk Sultan I. Alaeddin Keykubad, becoming one of the most important political and military centers of the region. The castle is situated on steep cliffs rising on a peninsula, providing natural protection, and this feature has been utilized for defensive purposes by many civilizations since ancient times. With the renovations during the Seljuk period, the walls extend along approximately 6 kilometers, with 83 towers and hundreds of bastions creating a commanding view over the city. Inside the castle, there are remnants of civilian settlements, palace ruins, cisterns, a dungeon, church, and mosque structures. Its herbarium-like vegetation and breathtaking view opening to the Mediterranean strongly convey the coexistence of history and nature. According to legends, Sultan Keykubad was so impressed by the castle's architecture that he declared Alanya as his winter capital and was given the title “Keykubad-ı Âlâiyye.” The Ehmedek section within the castle is one of the strongest defensive points; the defensive line connected to the Red Tower has withstood enemy attacks for years. The castle maintained its importance during the Ottoman period, becoming a strategic center, especially for ship trade and customs control. Today, efforts are underway for it to be included in the UNESCO tentative list. The castle offers visitors a multi-layered historical journey with its standing architecture and texture reflecting Alanya's historical identity.

Visit Tips

• It is open between 08:00 and 19:00.
• Access is possible by cable car.
• It gets crowded in the summer, it's better to go in the morning.
• Entry is paid; Museum card is not valid.

Photos