Alanya Castle - Alanya Kalesi

Alanya castle lies above the city on a steep peninsula about 250 metres above sea level. Its position on the peninsula makes it difficult to reach by land or sea. This made it easier to defend in years gone by. The castle was built by Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad between 1226AD and 1232AD but with contributions from the Seljuks, Byzantines and Romans many additions have been made since then. There are structures and remains of various buildings such as churches, baths and market buildings from the 19^th and 20^th centuries. 

A view of the Castle taken from the road that runs alongside Cleopatra's beach. There is a regular bus service with a bus stop on the right of the picture that will take you all the way to the top. Alternatively you can take a taxi or walk on foot if you're the energetic type.

Video of Alanya Castle

The defensive walls of the castle are 6500 metres in length with 140 watch towers. Built with stone and mortar, they also had openings to pour out hot oil. The castle consists of 3 wall sections outer, middle and inner. The outer section stretches from the Red Tower  (Kizil Kule)  to the Ehmedek and the Arap Evliyasi tower and down towards the sea.. The Red Tower, a key point of the fortress was the first structure to be built by the Seljuks.

The middle section runs between Arap Evliyasi tower and the citadel. It contains a bath house and the Ehmedek, a small citadel from the Seljuk period. The middle section was also home to the Suleymaniye mosque and Bedesten from the Ottoman period as well as the Byzantine chapel Arap Evliyasi.

Behind Bars

A section of the castle wall as seen from inside the former barracks.

The zigzag structure of the castle walls can be seen down the hillside moving towards the Red Tower and harbour area.

The inner section contains many structures including barracks and a cistern from the Seljuk period. Being the last refuge and stronghold of the castle, the citadel was positioned on the highest point of the peninsula.

If you decide to walk the steep and winding road to the castle, you will find some small restaurants and cafes to help break the journey. You will also find a few market stalls to buy gifts and souvenirs. Shown here is a typical market stall near the castle entrance. When you arrive at the top, you will find a turnstile type entrance.  

A Market Stall

Castle Turnstile

The photo was taken in April 2006 so expect it to be busier in the high season. The opening hours then were from 10 am to 7 pm and the entrance fee was 5 YTL.

The views from Alanya castle are breathtaking and well worth the effort whatever method you use to get there. Neither these photos or the high resolution originals do them justice.

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