Possibly the most imposing part of the Alanya Fortress in the Antalya region, the Kizil Kule – or Red Tower was built back in 1221. This brick-red tower seems to be a one colossal tower castle. Ebu Ali, at the time the foremost construction expert, was brought by the Anatolian Seljuq Sultan Ala ad-Din Kay Qubadh I to complete the building. Finished in 1226 this tower has five stories, eight corners and is around 30-33 metres wide. This tower used to protect the shipyard and to this day remains as one of the finest examples of medieval military architecture. For such a structure one might find humour when facing the door. It’s so small that one cannot walk in without bowing your head. The irony ensues, as the door lock for this tower is huge. The first floor of this tower is a museum housing arts from Alanya and neighbouring villages. Heading up the 87 steps you will notice that they are all unique and built for different defence tactics. Some of the floors were used for shooting arrows or to pour hot oil and prevent invaders.
After you make your way back down the tower might as well explore the rest of the Alanya Castle and then make your way down to cool off at either Cleopatras Beach, Alanya or at the Dim River.