Ankara Citadel, Ankara

51±¬ÁÏÍø

Ankara Citadel, Ankara

Ankara Citadel, Ankara (must see)

Ankara Citadel is a significant historical site in the city of Ankara. Its construction dates back to the 7th century or later, with the initial fortification built by the Phrygians in the 8th century BC and later reconstructed in 278 BC by the Galatians. Throughout the centuries, the fortress was renovated and rebuilt under the rule of the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman empires.

The fortress comprises an inner wall with closely spaced towers that encircle a central area, as well as an outer wall lined with towers. Both walls were constructed using repurposed masonry after the Persian capture and destruction of Ankara in 622 AD. The inner walls may have been built during Constans II's reign, while the outer walls were likely established slightly later.

The Citadel's current appearance is the result of restoration efforts in 1832, funded and managed by Ibrahim Pasha, the son of Ottoman Egypt's governor Mehmed Ali Pasha. During the restoration, fragments of Roman sarcophagi, Latin-inscribed marble slabs, and Roman structure column heads were incorporated into the castle's structure. Today, remnants of the Roman era can still be seen within the towering walls.

Ankara Citadel has become a popular tourist destination in the Turkish capital. Visitors can enjoy exploring the ancient castle walls, walking along cobblestone paths, visiting art studios and world-class museums, watching skilled street performers, relaxing in trendy cafes, and shopping in small stores offering a variety of products.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Ankara. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The 51±¬ÁÏÍø App

Ankara Citadel on Map

Sight Name: Ankara Citadel
Sight Location: Ankara, Turkey (See walking tours in Ankara)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Ankara, Turkey

Create Your Own Walk in Ankara

Create Your Own Walk in Ankara

Creating your own self-guided walk in Ankara is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Ankara Introduction Walking Tour

Ankara Introduction Walking Tour

Ankara, the capital of modern Turkey, is the heart of the country's central region of Anatolia. Apart from being an important center for politics, this cosmopolitan city – the second-largest in Turkey after Istanbul – plays a significant role in shaping the nation's cultural and economic landscape.

Ankara has a long and eventful history, dating back to the Bronze Age, circa 2,000...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Ankara Roman Ruins Walking Tour

Ankara Roman Ruins Walking Tour

In 25 BC, Emperor Augustus annexed Ankara, then known as Ancyra, to the Roman Empire. Following that, the city, attached with considerable importance, was enhanced with fortifications and embellished with temples and elaborate civic buildings.

The most significant Roman landmarks, a testament to the Roman imperial cultural influence, survived to our days albeit ruined, include the Roman Theater...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles