This enormous medieval fortress stands proudly on a high rocky peninsula directly above the modern city of Alanya, Turkey. Visible from almost everywhere, it is Alanya's signature landmark.
🗺️ What is it?
Location: The fortress occupies almost the entire peninsula jutting out into the Mediterranean Sea. This gave it sea protection on three sides—an ideal strategic location!
History: Most of what we see today was built in the 13th century by order of the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Kayqubad I. But in fact, fortifications on this site date back to the Roman and Byzantine Empires.
Dimensions: The fortress walls stretch for 6.5-8 kilometers! Within them was an entire city with its own inhabitants, mosques, baths, water cisterns, and, of course, a citadel (inner castle) at the very top.
#turkey #alanya