Get ready to explore the enchanting historical sites of Alanya. Located on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, this beautiful seaside town is renowned for its rich historical heritage. Alanya captivates with its natural beauty, as well as its ancient ruins and historical structures. The Alanya Castle, situated approximately 250 meters above sea level, offers a magnificent view. Additionally, the Damlataş Cave, known for its air believed to benefit asthma patients, impresses visitors. Other significant sites in Alanya include the Red Tower, the Shipyard, and the historic Alara Han. This city is a paradise where history and nature coexist in perfect harmony.
Alanya Castle
Alanya Castle is one of the most iconic and historical places in the city, located on a rocky peninsula overlooking the Mediterranean. Built in the 13th century by Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat, the castle has stood the test of time and remains one of Turkey's best-preserved medieval castles.
The castle is divided into three main sections: the lower castle, the middle castle, and the upper castle. Each section offers unique architectural features and stunning panoramic views of the surroundings. The lower castle includes several cisterns, a shipyard, and the remains of a Byzantine church. The middle castle houses the Sultan Alaaddin Mosque, while the upper castle contains the Seljuk palace and several watchtowers.
Today, visitors can explore the different parts of Alanya Castle and learn about its rich history through interactive exhibits and displays. The castle hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, making it a must-visit destination for tourists.
Notable features of Alanya Castle include its 6.5 km long walls, 140 towers, and various defensive structures such as battlements, bastions, and gates.
Aya Yorgi Church (Hagios Georgios)
Aya Yorgi Church is the oldest church in Alanya and is still used for services today. Its location, near a mosque, highlights the city's religious diversity and tolerance. The church and mosque side by side show that Alanya has been a center of religious tolerance and multiculturalism throughout history.
The frescoes and mosaics inside the church attract visitors' attention. These frescoes and mosaics are important examples of Christian art with their finely crafted details. The frescoes, especially in the apse area, depict vivid and colorful religious scenes. The mosaics, adorned with geometric and plant motifs, enhance the artistic richness of the church.
Aya Yorgi Church is of great historical and cultural significance, shedding light on Alanya's rich past. Visitors will get to know Alanya's multicultural and tolerant history closely while exploring this historical structure.
Alanya Harbor
Walking through the narrow streets inside Alanya Castle, seeing historical houses and ruins, will give you a deeper understanding of the city's past. We recommend visiting this area to enjoy the stunning view from the harbor front, explore the exhibitions in the Red Tower, and discover historical structures from the Seljuk period. The 30-meter high Red Tower was built during the Seljuk period to protect the harbor, and today it houses important exhibitions. The various historical artifacts displayed inside the Red Tower shed light on the architectural and military structure of the period. The harbor side includes the Red Tower, the Seljuk Shipyard, and Alanya Castle, built in the 13th century. Additionally, the walking path along the walls to the Seljuk Shipyard is a nice option for a scenic walk. Along this path, you can take unique photos where the sea meets the city. Visiting these historical structures with their wonderful views will leave unforgettable memories for visitors.
Alanya Lighthouse
The Alanya Lighthouse is one of the city's symbols and holds special importance as the only lighthouse in the area. This 6-meter-high lighthouse was built by the Ottomans by the French in 1880 and operated by the French until 1936. Recognized as a national heritage under the care of the Coastal Safety Directorate, the lighthouse offers sailors a visibility range of 20 nautical miles. The lighthouse, serving as a viewing platform with its spectacular view, provides a unique sight at night with its light. Also, the lighthouse location is perfect for walking, fishing, and relaxing. You can also visit the nearby guardhouse.
Kızılkule
Kızılkule was built in 1226 by the Seljuk sultan Alaeddin Keykubat, with the help of Ebu Ali Reha el Kettani from Aleppo. It is one of the best examples of Mediterranean defense structures. The tower was built to protect Alanya harbor, shipyard, and Alanya Castle from sea attacks. It is an eight-sided building with five floors, including the ground floor. The top is made of red bricks, which is why it's called Kızılkule (Red Tower). After serving as a military base for many years, it was restored in the 1950s and opened to visitors in 1979. The first floor houses a museum displaying ethnographic items like carpets, clothes, weapons, kitchen tools, and weaving looms reflecting the Yörük Türkmen culture of the Taurus Mountains. The other floors include mezzanines, an open floor, and an open terrace. The Alanya Ethnography Museum is located on the ground and first floors. The open terrace offers stunning views of Alanya. Kızılkule is one of the most iconic structures in Alanya and is a must-see for visitors. To reach the terrace, you need to climb 85 stone steps.
Historical Cistern
The cistern, built in the 13th century during the Seljuk period, has a square plan and is made of rubble stone and mortar. It consists of a vaulted ceiling and two adjacent rooms. Restoration work has renewed the cistern, turning it into a museum while preserving its original texture. The Alanya cistern is an important part of our historical and cultural heritage. By visiting, you can take a journey back in time and see Seljuk architecture up close. The cistern hosts various exhibitions, offering rich cultural and artistic content. These exhibitions include historical artifacts, works by local artists, and themed events. Admission fees vary depending on the exhibitions. This allows visitors to have a new and unique experience each time. Located on the Alanya peninsula, this 13th-century structure was originally used for water storage and now serves as a museum, attracting both local and foreign tourists.
Süleymaniye Mosque
One of the oldest historical structures in Alanya, Süleymaniye Mosque, is a must-visit. This historical mosque was built in the 13th century by the Seljuk Sultan Alaattin Keykubat. Many important structures like the castle, Kızılkule, and Süleymaniye Mosque were built in Alanya during the 13th century. Süleymaniye Mosque is an important example of Seljuk architecture. It is still used for worship today and has undergone many restorations since the Ottomans took over the region. These restorations, especially those during the Ottoman period, helped preserve and strengthen the mosque's architectural structure. Known locally as Orta Hisar Mosque, Süleymaniye Mosque is considered one of the finest examples of Turkish architecture. Visitors to the mosque can see not only a historical building but also the traces of a centuries-old worship tradition. This mosque is a historical and cultural treasure that visitors to Alanya must see.
With its historical and cultural riches, Alanya is proof of Turkey's rich past. From the detailed architecture of the Süleymaniye Mosque to the impressive walls of Alanya Castle, the area offers a fascinating look into different eras, including the Seljuk and Ottoman periods. These well-preserved sites not only attract history enthusiasts but also blend cultural exploration with natural beauty, providing an unforgettable experience for all visitors. Discovering these historical treasures is a must for anyone visiting Alanya, as it creates a bridge between the past and present.