Payas Castle, located in the town of Payas in Hatay's Dörtyol district on the coast of the Gulf of Iskenderun, is one of the strong defensive structures of the Ottoman period with its eight towers and moat.
Payas Castle is located in the town of Payas, part of the Dörtyol district of Hatay province, approximately 700 meters inland from the coast of the Gulf of Iskenderun. The structure's origins date back to the Genoese; built by the Genoese who wanted to control the port area, the castle was reorganized by the Ottoman Empire in 1567, taking its current form. With its eight towers and deep surrounding moat, the castle bears the typical characteristics of Crusader and Genoese castles found in the region, while also reflecting traces of Ottoman architectural understanding.
The Sokullu Mehmet Pasha Complex, located right next to the castle, was designed by Mimar Sinan to be in harmony with the castle, forming a visual whole. When these two structures are considered together, they concretely demonstrate the Ottoman Empire's strategic and architectural ambition in the Eastern Mediterranean during the second half of the 16th century. The juxtaposition of the complex and the castle transforms the visit into a much richer experience than merely touring a castle alone. The old and durable stone walls have withstood many sieges and attacks throughout history; today, they still stand.
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Guide's Note
Payas Castle is an Ottoman defensive structure built in the 16th century to protect both trade routes and the port, thanks to its strategic location on the Silk Road. The castle, which has largely survived to this day with its thick walls and sturdy bastions, stands out as a valuable stop for history enthusiasts. Visitors note that the castle entrance offers a good angle for panoramic photography.
The mosque inside the castle and the old olive tree in its courtyard are among the details that attract visitors' attention. While it is emphasized that the completed sections of the restoration work contribute to tourism, some visitors also state that additional maintenance is needed.
Before your visit, we recommend paying attention to the following points:
- Always check if it is open before visiting. In recent months, multiple visitors have reported the castle being closed; sometimes due to restoration, and sometimes the gate was locked without any visible work being done.
- Since some of the comments are very brief and general, it is difficult to make a comprehensive assessment of all the facilities of the venue; it would be beneficial to research local sources for up-to-date information.
Best Time to Visit
The most comfortable period to visit Payas Castle is during April-May and September-October. Payas, located on the coast of the Gulf of Iskenderun, can be quite hot and humid in mid-summer; choosing the early morning hours during this period makes the visit much more enjoyable. In winter, the weather is mild, but there can be occasional rainy days. For those who want to visit the complex as well, early mornings are ideal for both light and tranquility.
How to Get to Payas Castle?
The castle is approximately 20 km from Iskenderun and about 120 km from Adana. For those coming by private car, it is sufficient to follow the Payas exit on the Iskenderun-Adana highway; the castle is easily visible from the coastal road. Those coming by public transport can take minibuses or dolmuşes departing from Iskenderun or Dörtyol bus terminals to Payas. Renting a car from Hatay Airport also stands out as a practical option. The distance is also reasonable for those planning a day trip from Adana.
Suggested Route: Visiting the Castle and Complex Together
When you arrive in Payas, we recommend visiting the Sokullu Mehmet Pasha Complex first. After touring this structure designed by Mimar Sinan, you can move to the western facade of the castle to examine its walls and towers. Following the moat around the castle to see all facades takes approximately 30-40 minutes. After visiting the complex and the castle together, it can be a good plan to head to nearby Iskenderun to complete the day. In Iskenderun, there are many fish restaurants where you can have lunch with a view of the gulf.
Photography Spots
Payas Castle offers a rich setting for photography. The southern facade, where all eight towers can be seen together, is an ideal location for wide-angle shots. In the early morning, the play of sunlight on the walls creates interesting shadow-light contrasts. Compositions using the moat around the castle as a frame can also yield striking shots. To capture the Sokullu Mehmet Pasha Complex and the castle in the same frame, you may need to move back a bit and find a higher vantage point; slight elevations in the vicinity are useful for this.
What to Eat Nearby?
Since the town of Payas itself is a small settlement, comprehensive restaurant options are limited. Nearby Iskenderun, however, stands out with its fish restaurants and tavern culture along the gulf coast. Fresh seafood, especially anchovies and sea bass, are among the region's indispensable dishes. Those who want to taste the richness of Hatay cuisine can travel a bit further to Antakya; local delicacies such as hummus, künefe, and katmer offer a much wider selection there.
Things to Consider Before Visiting
In some parts of the castle, the ground can be uneven and stone surfaces slippery; it is important to choose comfortable, non-slip shoes. In summer, it is highly recommended to carry plenty of water and sunscreen; shaded areas within the castle are quite limited. Since entrance hours and fees can vary seasonally, it is advisable to confirm current information before your visit. If you plan to visit both the complex and the castle on the same day, starting early in the morning will allow you enough time for both structures.
Historical Background
The history of Payas Castle dates back to the Genoese, who sought to control the port area. The structure, built by the Genoese, was reorganized by the Ottoman Empire in 1567, taking its current form with eight towers and a moat. When considered alongside other structures in the region, the castle concretely demonstrates how the Crusader and Genoese castle traditions were blended with Ottoman architecture. The fact that the adjacent Sokullu Mehmet Pasha Complex was designed by Mimar Sinan in harmony with the castle makes this complex one of the rare examples where Ottoman defensive and civil architecture can be read together.
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