Ankara Castle
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Ankara Castle is an historic fortification in the city of Ankara, Turkey, constructed in or after the 7th century. The earliest fortification on the site was constructed in the 8th century BC by the Phrygians and rebuilt in 278 BC by the Galatians.
attractions: Haci Bayram Mosque, Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Ulucanlar Prison Museum, Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Hacı Bayram-ı Veli Tomb, Rahmi M. Koc Museum Ankara, PTT Pul Müzesi, Mehmet Akif Ersoy Home Museum, Gokyay Foundation Chess Museum, Erimtan Archaeology and Art Museum, restaurants: Bogazici Lokantasi, Şöhretler ASPAVA, Aspava Pide Kebap Salonu, Tarihi Kale Çorbacısı, Aspava Pide Kebap, Bükenoğlu Büfe, KAPI .KASAP&STEAK
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Ankara Castle is an historic fortification in the city of Ankara, Turkey, constructed in or after the 7th century. The earliest fortification on the site was constructed in the 8th century BC by the Phrygians and rebuilt in 278 BC by the Galatians.
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Glimpse into History and Culture: Ankara Castle's Charms Unveiled Historical Time Capsule Stepping into Ankara Castle is like stepping back in time. This ancient fortress, with its massive stone walls and imposing towers, is a testament to centuries of history. The castle dates back to Roman times and has seen the rise and fall of numerous empires. As I explored its labyrinthine streets and pathways, I felt a deep connection to Turkey's rich past. The panoramic views from the castle walls are simply breathtaking. From this elevated vantage point, I could see the modern city of Ankara juxtaposed with the historical beauty of the castle. It's a stunning reminder of how tradition and progress coexist in this vibrant city. A Shopper's Paradise Ankara Castle is not just about history; it's also a bustling marketplace filled with shops that offer an array of authentic handmade products. Whether you're an avid shopper or simply looking for unique souvenirs, you'll find a treasure trove of options here. The marketplace is a kaleidoscope of colors and craftsmanship. Artisans showcase their talents through intricately woven rugs, hand-painted ceramics, exquisite jewelry, and a myriad of other handmade items. The authenticity of these products is apparent, and haggling with friendly shopkeepers adds to the overall charm of the experience. One of my favorite finds was a beautifully woven Turkish carpet. The patterns, the quality of the wool, and the artistry behind it left me in awe. It's now a cherished piece in my home, serving as a tangible reminder of my time in Ankara Castle. Cafes with Character The cafes within Ankara Castle offer more than just refreshment. They provide a delightful blend of tradition and modernity. I enjoyed sipping traditional Turkish tea while admiring the castle's ancient stone walls. The cafes are often adorned with colorful cushions and cozy corners, making them inviting places to relax and soak in the atmosphere. One of the unique aspects of these cafes is their ability to seamlessly blend into the historical surroundings. It's not uncommon to find a cafe nestled within the castle's nooks and crannies, offering patrons the chance to enjoy their coffee while surrounded by centuries-old stone walls. Friendly Faces Everywhere One of the most remarkable aspects of my visit to Ankara Castle was the warmth of its people. The locals are incredibly friendly and welcoming, always ready to strike up a conversation or offer assistance. Their pride in their city and its history is evident, and they are more than willing to share their knowledge and stories. As a traveler, this hospitality is truly heartwarming. I had the opportunity to engage in conversations with locals, learn about their traditions, and even sample some homemade treats that left my taste buds delighted. In conclusion, Ankara Castle is a unique destination that seamlessly weaves history, culture, and commerce into one enchanting tapestry. The fortress stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Turkey's capital, while its bustling marketplace, inviting cafes, and friendly locals make it a vibrant and engaging place to explore. My visit was a journey through time and a window into the heart of Ankara, and I left with a deeper appreciation for both its history and its people. I can't wait to return to this remarkable site and uncover even more of its hidden treasures.
M DuranM Duran
10
By Feride Yalav-Heckeroth 24 March 2017 The Ankara Castle is one of the Turkish capital’s oldest sights, dating back to the Roman, Seljuk, and Ottoman Empires. Overlooking the city from its perch, here is a look at the history of the structure, which has become a very popular destination for visitors as well as locals. Even though the exact date of its initial construction is unknown, some people believe the Hittites (an ancient empire that ruled over north-central Anatolia in 1600 BC), who had a military garrison in Ankara, built the Ankara Castle. However, due to the lack of archeological artifacts to substantiate this fact, the castle is more often associated with the Roman, Byzantine, and Seljuk eras, during which time the structure underwent several renovations. The castle takes up the entirety of the peak, which overlooks the city and the red-tiled roofs of old Ankara’s historic houses. There is also an exterior wall outfitted with 20 towers, located on the periphery of the old city and built as a protective layer. The fort takes up around 43 square kilometers (16.7 square miles), with a wall that rises to 14-16 meters (50-52.5 feet) and includes 42 towers. The castle’s highest point, called Akkale or Alitaşı, stands tall in the southeastern corner. One of the two castle entrances also has an epitaph that belongs to the Ilkhanate Empire (the southwestern sector of the Mongol Empire), while the structure’s northwestern section displays writing belonging to the Seljuk Empire. Even though the outer wall experienced damage over time, the castle itself was able to survive intact. During invasions in the 8th and 9th centuries, the remains of Roman structures in the city became renovation material, with marble blocks and pillar heads still seen in the castle’s south-facing sections. Indeed, the castle witnessed many invasions, undergoing many repairs and renovations beginning with the invasion of Galata (a domain in Ankara) in the 2nd century BC. In 217 AD, Roman Emperor Caracalla had the walls repaired, and after the Persians had defeated Emperor Severus Alexander between 222 and 260, the castle was almost entirely destroyed. In the 7th century, the Romans renovated the structure once more, and by 688, Constantine the Great built a new outer wall to accommodate the city’s new borders. In 1073, the castle was taken over by the Seljuk Empire, and during the Ottoman era, in 1832, the son of Maktul Ibrahim Pasha repaired the castle. Nowadays, the castle is a visual amalgam of different historical eras that all left their own mark in one way or another. The old Ankara houses that are within the castle’s outer wall are also very beautiful and are composed of wood, mud brick, and tile. From the castle, the juxtaposition between the old and new Ankara is truly striking and is a great place to watch as the sun sets over the great capital city.
Muhanad AmeenMuhanad Ameen
10
October 2023 The Ankara Castle is 1 of those small, dilapidated European castles, surrounded by the usual overpriced tourist traps. The Europeans or Byzantines, I forget which, built the castle from "spoila" - a rare word in English, taken from Greek and Roman temples. There were 3 other interesting things: 1. A solo musician was playing the most haunting, melancholy music on his Turkish guitar that echoed through the empty, sad structure. 2. There is a Tourism Office for the Russian City of St. Petersburg inside the castle 3. Among all the over-priced cafés and restaurants, there were a strange assortment of shops selling polished stones, and others selling farm implements. The views of Ankara were pleasant, which means it's full of Instagram idiots. It's really sad to see the signs pointing the way were hand-made with a pental pen on cardboard, plastic bags to collect litter which people ignored and were throwing thousands of plastic bottles in between the castle eaves. We were not impressed, and sadly I would not recommend this place for a visit.
Abel CaineAbel Caine
00
Here's a rephrased and aligned version of your Google Maps review: "The castle offers a stunning panoramic view of the city. Many of Ankara's top attractions, including museums and the Roman archaeological site, are within walking distance from here. Spend an afternoon exploring the old city, wandering through its charming alleys. If you appreciate architecture, you’ll love the mix of modern and historical buildings, with restoration projects ongoing around the castle. Inside, I visited the historic Aladin Mosque, the oldest mosque in the area. The castle is a must-visit, offering incredible views of Ankara, but note that there are many stairs, making it unfortunately ⛔♿ inaccessible for wheelchair users. Beneath the castle, you'll find numerous shops selling local souvenirs. And also some restaurants from one of them we did our lunch with traditional "Gozleme" which was of course so much expensive than other places of the city. But as we were hungry, we prefer to stay there. For parking, there's a paid lot nearby that costs 200 Turkish lira.
Kashif Abdul Razzaq MisidiaKashif Abdul Razzaq Misidia
00
There are several ways to enter the castle. The main one is through the gate next to the Clock Tower. After passing the gate, there is a small square with many souvenir shops. It is necessary to go straight along the street, where you will meet various cafes along the way. When you reach the wall, turn left and go through a few more gates. The next thing you will see is a staircase leading up to the bastion. In addition to the tourist boutiques and cafes inside the castle, there are many residential houses, all in the same style. The view of the city from the bastion is amazing. I found a way to climb to the very top, which really gives you a 360 degree view. If you decide to do what I did, know that it may not be safe. I visited this castle twice. Once I arrived at about 7 pm and the gate leading into the bastion was closed. That day I went down through the other gate that leads to the park. The second time, I arrived at about 3 pm and was able to enter the bastion. Because it was a public holiday, there were a huge number of people inside.
VladimirVladimir
10
Ankara Castle is located in Altindag district, Ankara, Turkey, through many ups and downs in history, Ankara Castle was owned by many generations, including the Hittites, Phrygians, Persians, Pyzantines, Arabs and even Ottoman Turks. Through many restorations by the Romans, Seljuks and Ottomans, Ankara Castle consists of a sarcophagus and a fortress divided into 20 separate towers. Currently, the castle is both an exhibition place for paintings and music, and a place to hold a concert festival in the summer. - The castle is surrounded by walls with towers close to each other, covering an area of about 350mx150m, and the wall line with the tower is 40m. Both sides of the wall are erected using a large number of masonry works that have been used. The date of construction of the castle is unknown, but the remodel by the Persians was in 622. The inner walls may date back to King Constans 2, the outer wall is thought to have been built later.
محمد سمارهمحمد سماره
80
Nearby Attractions Of Ankara Castle
Haci Bayram Mosque
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Ulucanlar Prison Museum
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Hacı Bayram-ı Veli Tomb
Rahmi M. Koc Museum Ankara
PTT Pul Müzesi
Mehmet Akif Ersoy Home Museum
Gokyay Foundation Chess Museum
Erimtan Archaeology and Art Museum
Haci Bayram Mosque
4.8
(8.6K)Click for details
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
4.8
(5.9K)Click for details
Ulucanlar Prison Museum
4.7
(5.6K)Click for details
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
4.7
(4.7K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Ankara Castle
Bogazici Lokantasi
Şöhretler ASPAVA
Aspava Pide Kebap Salonu
Tarihi Kale Çorbacısı
Aspava Pide Kebap
Bükenoğlu Büfe
KAPI .KASAP&STEAK
Bogazici Lokantasi
4.3
(1.3K)$$$
Click for details
Şöhretler ASPAVA
3.9
(375)Click for details
Aspava Pide Kebap Salonu
3.8
(88)Click for details
Tarihi Kale Çorbacısı
4.2
(67)Click for details
Reviews
Overview
4.4
(7.6K reviews)
Website
ankarakalesi.com
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Deep Dive
A deep dive into Ankara Castle
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