The Red Tower is an octagonal defensive tower located on İskele Street in Alanya, built in 1226 by Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat I, and today functions as an Ethnography Museum.
It's almost impossible to visit Alanya and not see the Red Tower. This octagonal tower, approximately 33 meters high, was built in 1226 by the Syrian architect Ebu Ali Reha, by order of Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat I. The tower was designed to protect the harbor, shipyard, and Alanya Castle from attacks from the sea and has survived to this day as one of the rare examples of Mediterranean medieval defensive architecture. It takes its name from the reddish bricks used on its facade.
Offering visitors both an architectural and cultural window with its five-story interior, the Red Tower today functions as an Ethnography Museum. Inside, carpets, kilims, local clothing, and everyday items belonging to Alanya and its surroundings are exhibited. When you reach the top floor, the Taurus Mountains, Alanya harbor, and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean meet in a single frame; this view becomes one of the most memorable moments of the visit. Since the Seljuk Shipyard and Tophane (arsenal) near the tower are also part of the same historical context, visiting these three structures together allows you to grasp Alanya's Seljuk period much more comprehensively.
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Guide's Note
The Red Tower is a historical structure from the Seljuk period, frequently visited by those coming to Alanya. Visitors generally state that they are impressed by the tower's architecture and its preservation over the years. It is also highlighted in comments that it offers a pleasant experience when combined with a walk along the harbor.
When you go up to the upper floors, you can see the harbor, the sea, and the city view all at once. It is a common impression shared by visitors that the atmosphere takes on a different character, especially in the evening, creating a suitable environment for taking photos. It is also stated that it is an additional attraction for those interested in history.
- Stair difficulty: More than one visitor emphasizes that the ascent inside the tower is quite steep and tiring. It is recommended that people with mobility limitations or those avoiding strenuous activities take this into consideration.
- Power outage: At least one visitor reports experiencing a brief power outage during their visit; although the problem was resolved quickly, it is useful to be prepared for this.
When Should You Visit?
The best time to visit the Red Tower is between April–June and September–October. During these months, temperatures are not oppressive, and tourist density is much lower compared to the July–August peak. If you plan to visit in mid-summer, entering as soon as the doors open at 08:30 will help you avoid both queues and heat. The tower, which offers beautiful photos even in rainy weather, can also be visited in winter; however, opening hours may be shorter in some seasons, so it's advisable to confirm in advance.
How to Get There?
The Red Tower is located right in the heart of Alanya, on İskele Street. You can reach it by taking a dolmuş or taxi from Alanya bus station to the city center and then walking along the coast. There are regular bus services from Antalya city center to Alanya; the journey takes approximately 2–2.5 hours. If you come by your own car, there are paid parking options around the harbor. Be sure to also appreciate the tower's view from the sea; watching the Red Tower and Shipyard from the sea with short boat tours is a completely different experience.
How Much Time Should You Allocate?
45–60 minutes is sufficient for the Red Tower itself. If you also add the adjacent Seljuk Shipyard and Tophane (arsenal) to your itinerary, the total time reaches 2–2.5 hours. If you want to see Alanya Castle on the same day, you can take the cable car up to the castle and make the Red Tower your last stop on the way down; this way, you will have completed all of Alanya's Seljuk heritage in one go within the day.
Suggested Itinerary: A Day in the Footsteps of Seljuk Alanya
In the early morning, take the cable car up to Alanya Castle, walk along the walls, and enjoy the panoramic view from Kızıl Kule Point. At lunchtime, take a break at one of the small cafes inside the castle. In the afternoon, descend, visit the Red Tower and the Ethnography Museum, and walk to the Seljuk Shipyard. You can end the day with fresh seafood at a restaurant by the harbor.
Photo Spots
The most iconic photo of the Red Tower is taken from the harbor side, at sea level; the reddish brick tower, the blue Mediterranean, and the Alanya peninsula meet in a single frame. At sunset, the western facade of the tower is bathed in a golden light. The view of the Taurus Mountains and the harbor taken from the tower's terrace is also quite impressive. Early morning is the best time for both light quality and uncrowded shots. The angle where the tower and the sea are seen together from the shipyard side is also very popular among photography enthusiasts.
What to Eat Nearby?
Around the Red Tower, on İskele Street along the harbor, there are many fish and seafood restaurants. Fresh sea bass, sea bream, and shrimp are prominent options in this area. For a more budget-friendly meal, you can walk a few minutes towards the city center to find local pide and kebab shops. Alanya's unique şekerpare (a sweet pastry) and tahini halva can also be found in patisseries in the bazaar.
Things to Consider
The stairs inside the tower are steep and have stone surfaces; choose comfortable, non-slip shoes. In summer, due to high humidity and heat, remember to bring water. The tower is not fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Since visiting hours can vary by season, it is advisable to confirm current information before going. Vendors can be numerous around the tower; bargaining over prices is possible.
General Information About the Red Tower
The Red Tower is an octagonal defensive tower built in 1226 by Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat I by the Syrian architect Ebu Ali Reha. The structure, approximately 33 meters high, consists of five floors; each floor has loopholes and defensive projections. The tower takes its name from the red bricks used on its facade. Today, the building is used as an Ethnography Museum, exhibiting carpets, kilims, local clothing, and traditional household items from the Alanya region. Considered one of the best-preserved examples of 13th-century Mediterranean defensive architecture, the tower stands at the center of Alanya's historical identity.
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