ALANYA

Alanya is rich in history from being a pirate stronghold to a gift for Cleopatra from Rome.  A peninsula dominates the long and sandy Cleopatra beach where it is said that she and Anthony used to sunbathe.  Built on the top of this peninsula is Alanya Castle, with the old city fortified walls rising and falling with the land.  The views from the castle are worth making the effort for and you will discover the full extent of this fortified complex.

Another place worth a visit is Damlatas cave.  Located at the foot of the Fortress of Alanya it is where stalagmites meet stalactites and the particularly humid atmosphere is said to be of benefit to the lungs.  The temperature within the cave is a continuous 22° C

The Red Tower (Kızıl Kule) is a 33 m high tower built to keep the harbour under continuous surveillance.  Commissioned by the Alaeddin Keykubat, the Seljukid Sultan in 1226.  Built on a rock bed this octagonal tower has a 29 m diameter.  It’s construction technique and durability makes this tower a prominent Seljuk monument.

Situated to the south of the Tower there is a covered building (Tersane) used for building big warships in complete security.  Tersane measures 40 by 27 m and consist of 5 vaulted galleries where the ships were built.  4 pointed arches connect these galleries.  The shipyard was built 2 years after the tower and is the only remaining shipyard from the Seljuks.