Alanya Castle: History, Architecture, and a Singular Travel Experience

🏰 Alanya Castle: History, Architecture and a Unique Travel Experience
Alanya fascinates with the light of the Mediterranean and its multi-layered past. The most glorious symbol of this heritage is Alanya Castle, rising like a crown atop the peninsula. The walls, towers and hidden courtyards reflect the spirit of the city at a single glance.

📜 Short History
Its origins date back to the 4th century BC. The defensive line built over the Hellenistic core reached its peak after the city was conquered in 1221 by the Anatolian Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubad I. The fortifications were strengthened, gates rebuilt; Ehmedek/Inner Castle, Red Tower and the Shipyard formed a strategic chain. In later centuries, the Karamanoğulları and the Ottomans used the castle as a military base.

📍 Location & Access
The peninsula rises about 250 m above sea level. There are three practical ways to reach the castle: a panoramic ride with the 🚡 cable car from Damlataş; the 🚗 asphalt road winding up from the coast; and shaded 🥾 walking trails. Minibuses and taxis from the center are also comfortable options.

🏛️ Must-See Spots
• 🛡️ Inner Castle (Ehmedek): Military quarters, cisterns, storage rooms and viewpoints — the heart of the fortress.
• 🧱 Red Tower: Octagonal design, brick masonry; today it hosts ethnographic exhibitions and offers striking views over the harbor.
• ⚓ Shipyard: One of the rare Anatolian Seljuk shipyards, with five-arched openings facing the sea.
• 🧭 Walls & Towers: A 6.5 km defensive line with nearly 140 watchpoints framing the scenery.
• 🕌 Süleymaniye Mosque & 🕋 Akşebe Tomb: Simple architecture with a spiritual touch.

🌅 Viewpoints
The two half-moon beaches — Cleopatra and East Beach — unite in a single frame. At the golden hour, the sky shifts from orange to violet, creating depth on the stone walls; a 📸 wide-angle lens and light tripod are recommended.

🧭 Popular Tours
• 🏙️ Alanya City Tour: A compact route combining the cable car, Inner Castle and Red Tower.
• ⛵ Boat Tour: Dramatic views of the walls and shipyard facade from the sea.
• 🚡 Cable Car Tour: Light and shadow become most striking near sunset.

✅ Visitor Tips
• ☀️ In summer: hat, water, sunscreen. In winter: windproof layers.
• 👟 Wear comfortable shoes for uneven stone surfaces; take care on stairs.
• 🎫 Check MuseumCard and combined ticket options.
• 🕘 Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.

ℹ️ Practical Information
Visiting hours change by season; check official announcements before your trip. There are rest areas and kiosks along the castle route; use recycling bins to protect nature. The cable car is convenient for families with strollers.

🎯 Why Visit?
You can read the layers of history in a single walk and enjoy panoramic views of Alanya. You witness Seljuk–Ottoman stone craftsmanship up close and discover hidden courtyards within the walls. Photography and hiking lovers will find rich routes in every season.

✨ If you would like to make a reservation for the Alanya City Tour, you can safely use the link below via Sunny Tour:
🔗 Alanya City Tour Reservation Page