The Red Tower, or Kızılkule, is an octagonal Seljuk tower in Alanya from the 13th century, and it is the city's best-known landmark. It stands by the harbour, a short walk from the old shipyard. Its upper walls are built of red brick, which gives the tower its name. Climb to the top for views over the harbour and the sea, then walk the defence walls nearby. Inside, a museum shows the city's ethnographic history.
Why the tower has red bricks
Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat ordered the tower built in 1226 as part of a wide building programme in Alanya. The lower walls were made of marble blocks. Lifting heavy stone became too hard at greater heights, so the builders used baked red brick for the upper storey and the parapet. The name Kızılkule means Red Tower in English.
Sources name the architect as Abu Ali Reha el Kettani of Aleppo, who also worked on Sinop Castle.
Built to guard the harbour
The tower was built to protect Alanya's harbour and its shipyard. For many centuries it greeted people arriving to the city by sea.
During Keykubat's reign, the fortress on the hill was expanded and the first Seljuk shipyard on the Mediterranean coast was built. Alanya became an important seaport, and the Seljuks used it to increase their trade with Egypt and Italy.
Inside the tower
The tower has an octagonal plan and stands around 33 metres tall. It houses the Alanya Ethnographic Museum, which shows the city's history and older ways of life.
The route to the top involves a good amount of climbing. The views from the upper level take in the harbour and the sea.
The shipyard and the city walls
The Tersane, or shipyard, lies beside the tower. Its seaward side has five vaulted sections built with cut stone walls and brick vaults. The shipyard was used to build and repair ships and to store them.
The defence walls run from the castle down to the shipyard and the tower. You can see the walls and the viewpoints around the castle from outside without paying an entry fee.
Getting up to the castle
Alanya Castle sits on the hill above the tower. You can reach it by cable car, by car or on foot. Inside the castle are the ruins of a Seljuk cistern and bath, a Byzantine church and the Keykubat Sultan Palace.
Several visitors suggest setting aside time for the castle, since a visit to the tower alone can leave little time for it.
Häufige Fragen
Is there an entry fee for the Red Tower?
Yes, the tower has a paid ticket. Prices reported by visitors differ, so check the current price at the entrance.
Is the Red Tower good for children?
Yes, the site is listed as good for kids. Plan for a lot of steps when climbing to the top.
Is the Red Tower wheelchair accessible?
The entrance is wheelchair accessible.
How do you get to Alanya Castle from the Red Tower?
You can reach the castle by cable car, by car or on foot. The castle is on the hill above the tower.
When is the best time to visit the Red Tower?
Visitors recommend the evening, when the view is better and the atmosphere is calmer. Check the opening hours on this page before you go.
