Ankara︱Ankara Castle

Ankara Castle

Castles are commonly seen in European countries. It is the royal residence as well as the city’s essential fortification. Although many of them may have already retired from the defensive system today, they still serve as a symbol of the nation. Erected in the Eurasian Ankara, the Ankara Castle in European architectural style is a sheer exhibition of the charisma of East meeting West.

The exact year of the castle’s establishment is unknown. Some say that the Hittites, an ancient empire that ruled over north-central Anatolia in 1600 B.C, built the castle. However, not much archeological support was presented to substantiate this claim. It is more often associated with the Roman, Byzantine, and Seljuk periods. Setting high on the peak, the castle has been a witness to Ankara’s history, and a loyal guard protecting the city. Within the castle’s outer wall stand the old Ankara houses constructed with tiles, wood and mud bricks, which are worth a visit. When you reach the top of the fortress overlooking the city, you can have a panoramic view of the red-tiled roofs of the quaint Ankara houses. When the town is lit-up after sunset, you can slowly walk down the hill, and stroll around the shopping street in the historical neighbourhood. Or you can take a coffee break in an antique café.