Ankara Castle: From Ancient Fortress to Modern-Day Tourist Attraction

İrem Uğur
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The construction time of Ankara Castle, one of the oldest buildings in Ankara, is not clearly known. The castle, which came under the control of the Turks with the entry of the Turks into Anatolia, has been used as a Turkish military facility for many years since then. 

The height of the castle from the ground is 110 meters. The castle consists of an inner castle covering the high side of the hill and an outer castle covering the surrounding area. The outer castle has nearly 20 towers. The outer castle is around the old city of Ankara.

History of Ankara Castle

It is stated that until the Roman occupation of Galatia, the locals were inside the Ankara Castle. After the Roman occupation, the city grew and as a result, people started to move out of the castle. The first repairs were made by the Roman emperor Caracalla in 217 BC. The construction of the outer castle was commissioned by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian II in 668 AD.

In 1073, this castle, which was ruled by the Seljuks, was captured by the Turks for the first time. However, between 1101-1227, it was again captured by the Crusaders. Since 1227, it has been under the rule of the Turks. It was repaired by Kavalalı Ibrahim Pasha in 1832 during the Ottoman period.

Places to Visit in Ankara Castle

1.Kaleiçi

Old Ankara houses are located in Kaleiçi. Old Ankara Houses and touristic shops with intact architecture also attract attention. Do not complete your visit to Ankara Castle without going here. There are shops where you can find beautiful souvenirs in Kaleiçi. There are not only souvenir shops but also restaurants, art houses and cafes.

2.Pirinç Han

The shops in Pirinç Han, the oldest known inn in Ankara, are all history and there are many old items in them. If you are interested in antiques, you should definitely take a look at the shops in this inn. Rag dolls, antique clocks, decorative objects and many antique products are in Pirinç Han.

Food and Drink in Ankara Castle

Ankara Castle is in a special position in terms of eating and drinking thanks to its feature of being a historical place. Especially in the winter season, we recommend you to sit in a place in the castle and drink salep with plenty of cinnamon in a rice glass.

In Ankara, the capital city famous for its meat doner, you can eat the best meat doner in the castle. In addition to meat doner, local dishes are served with special presentations.

If you want to browse old records and albums and have a drink, you should visit Gramofon Cafe, which will make you feel nostalgia.

How to get to Ankara Castle?

Adress: Kale, 06240 Altındağ/Ankara

Ankara Castle is located within walking distance to Samanpazari. It is 5 minutes by taxi from central locations such as Ulus center, Dikimevi metro, Sıhhiye.

There is no public transportation passing in front of it. If you are going with your private car, there is a municipal parking lot at the entrance of the castle.

Ankara Castle Entrance Fee and Visitor Hours

Visitor Hours

  • Weekdays 10:00-20:00

  • Weekend: 08:00-21:00

Pricing

  • Free Entrance

Remarkable Places in Ankara Castle with Their Designs

  • Gramofon Cafe

  • Kirit Cafe

  • Dantel Cafe

  • Tutku Antika Cafe

  • Nar Antika Evi Cafe

  • Nostalji Cafe

  • Cafe Matrak

Places to Visit Around Ankara Castle

  • Hafiz Traditional Arts

  • Rahmi M. Koç Museum

  • Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

  • Erimtan Museum of Archaeology and Art

  • Türkpusat Traditional War Pusats Museum

  • 8 Hubb Art Gallery

  • Cybele Castle

  • Arslanhane Mosque

  • Church of St. Tereza

  • Kadizade Handicraft Gallery

  • Remains of St. Clement Church

  • Gökyay Foundation Chess Museum

  • Hamamonu- Altındağ

  • Ulucanlar Prison Museum

  • Altındağ Municipality Poets and Writers House

  • Haci Ayvaz Mosque

  • 1st Turkish Grand National Assembly War of Independence Museum

  • New Mosque

  • Suluhan Bazaar

  • II. Grand National Assembly of Turkey Republic Museum

  • Ankara Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum

  • Ulus Ataturk Statue

  • Şengül Bath

  • Ulus New Hal

  • Historical Eynebey Hamami

  • Ahielvan Mosque