Ankara Castle
Ankara Castle
4
About
The foundations of this structure were laid by Galatians and eventually completed by the Romans. Located atop a hill in the old city, the area inside the citadel contains many fine examples of traditional architecture.
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Neighborhood: Çankaya
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
928 reviews
Excellent
350
Very good
336
Average
181
Poor
41
Terrible
20
Sebastian C
London, UK19 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
Stunning views from the top of Ankara!
The Castle is small and not that great but just for the views is much recommended.
Also it's interesting to see the local houses around. The most of them are now been renewed and you can see the locals nearby. They are kind and friendly
Also you have a Souvenir Shop with friendly Staff and different souvenirs at a very good prices.
The Castle is small and not that great but just for the views is much recommended.
Also it's interesting to see the local houses around. The most of them are now been renewed and you can see the locals nearby. They are kind and friendly
Also you have a Souvenir Shop with friendly Staff and different souvenirs at a very good prices.
Written April 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yunus Emre
Ankara, Türkiye5 contributions
Sep 2021 • Solo
It is worth to visit but the problem it is really top of a hill. Nice neighbourhood there is. Renewed old buildings and there are too many shops that you can buy interesting things. The bad thing there are constructions everywhere so I couldn’t made going the main castle. Except for that one should see.
Written September 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erin S
Washington DC, DC25 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
Lots of great artisan shops before you get to the castle. The copper and Turkish lamp shops are just great. The castle itself provided some breathtaking views of Ankara on clear days... I suggest spring and summer for the clearest views.
Written December 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shadi M
Yokohama, Japan97 contributions
Jan 2020
a little bit more attention will make this castle a worth to visit place.
there are nice small cafes around but the historical value are definitely more and can be better presented.
second place to visit in Ankara
there are nice small cafes around but the historical value are definitely more and can be better presented.
second place to visit in Ankara
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Travelers 🙌🏼
15 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
I guess you can come in at any seasons, but certainly beautiful on sunny clear blue sky. The best place to view the city of Ankara. The entry to the Castle is free, relatively easy to climb and worth the view! After hiking, make sure you stop by to the Kebab across the castle for lunch named Oltu Kebabi. So yummy! Enjoy!
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lanceshield
Guzelyurt, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus81 contributions
Jun 2011 • Friends
The place is great...with historical restaurants, buildings, streets and street bazaar...however, beggars and children trying to sell handicrafts can be irritating sometimes...
Written May 8, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abbotsbury92
Arlington, VA919 contributions
Mar 2012 • Solo
I can't add a great deal to the other observations here. It's a very steep climb up to the citadel gate from the valley floor below but well worth it. Once inside the gate of the citadel you walk up a long lane then take a sharp left turn through another gate. Then, almost immediately, you turn sharply right and go steeply up to the citadel. You can walk around the top edge, which is around 8-9 feet wide with no guard rail. It affords the finest panoramic view of Ankara available.
What I can add here is that the photo of the citadel with a flag on this TripAdvisor page isn't the actual citadel you can visit. It's instead the one at the north end of the mount and is fenced off. The actual citadel accessible by tourists is at the south end, nearest to the gate through which you enter the citadel area. If you miss the turn (as I did) you'll have an interesting wander around the neighborhood of the citadel precincts before you realize you missed the tourist castle peak.
Also, if you're up here in the early evening, do yourself a favor and have dinner at the fantastic restaurant inside the Divan Cukurhan hotel, which is directly opposite the citadel gate.
Finally, it's unfortunate to note that when I visited on a breathtaking sunny early spring evening a young Roma girl accosted me while I was standing on the castle ledge admiring the view. She was extremely aggressive, and ultimately abusive, in begging for money. Just be aware that if a child approaches you (and she had a couple confederates, one of whom was an adult) and engages you verbally you may get into a very uncomfortable situation quickly. The citadel area within the walls is a poor neighborhood; however the Turkish children do not beg... only the Roma do. Be prepared and watchful.
What I can add here is that the photo of the citadel with a flag on this TripAdvisor page isn't the actual citadel you can visit. It's instead the one at the north end of the mount and is fenced off. The actual citadel accessible by tourists is at the south end, nearest to the gate through which you enter the citadel area. If you miss the turn (as I did) you'll have an interesting wander around the neighborhood of the citadel precincts before you realize you missed the tourist castle peak.
Also, if you're up here in the early evening, do yourself a favor and have dinner at the fantastic restaurant inside the Divan Cukurhan hotel, which is directly opposite the citadel gate.
Finally, it's unfortunate to note that when I visited on a breathtaking sunny early spring evening a young Roma girl accosted me while I was standing on the castle ledge admiring the view. She was extremely aggressive, and ultimately abusive, in begging for money. Just be aware that if a child approaches you (and she had a couple confederates, one of whom was an adult) and engages you verbally you may get into a very uncomfortable situation quickly. The citadel area within the walls is a poor neighborhood; however the Turkish children do not beg... only the Roma do. Be prepared and watchful.
Written April 1, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eric K
Melbourne, Australia315 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
Ankara is not blessed with many tourist highights. One of the best things you can do is a walk to the top of the citadel (hisar). This is an outing that may take from a couple of hours to a good half day (depending on how interested you are and your fitness - the hike isn't overly ardous but you will be walking up hill and there are some steps at the top).
Start from the Ataturk statue (heykel as someone calls it in short), walk through Anafartalar cadde (lots of goldsmiths), veer left to the rather steep climb at Cikiriciklar (narrow street with canvas shades). the vendors here may not have enything to attract but this is a very authentic way to re-live the old city of 1950s or earlier). From here onwards you keep walking up hill (there are signs often but if you get lost just ask for "Hisar" or "Ankara Kale". There are some good museums to tempt you along the way andalso some mosques of about 800 years (taking off your shoes and covering your hair/legs for the women - you should be able to visit).
As you get very close to the top, you will see some eateries (mostly reasonable prices), some very old antique shops or trade shops - should be able to get some nice souvenirs here, finally walking past the huge bags of spices and nuts, you are at the gate to the citadel.
From here onwards walk slowly and take in the sights, this is living history, some very old houses - mostly lovingly restored, narrow cobblestone streets - when you get to the charming old ladies calling "madam, madam ... handmade ...) you are the top. Take in the sights, take some photos basically the whole of Ankara is at your feet - but walk carefully - not for the faint hearted (nor the foolhardy who does not watch his step ... OH&S hasn't made it here yet).
Finish the outing in style by havng some turkish tea or a refreshing ayran then make your way slowly towards Ulus. If you still have some energy ask for directions to Hamamonu (there is an old hamam - bath house from 1400s) with a lot of restored old Ankara houses - a charming way to spend an hour or so.
Start from the Ataturk statue (heykel as someone calls it in short), walk through Anafartalar cadde (lots of goldsmiths), veer left to the rather steep climb at Cikiriciklar (narrow street with canvas shades). the vendors here may not have enything to attract but this is a very authentic way to re-live the old city of 1950s or earlier). From here onwards you keep walking up hill (there are signs often but if you get lost just ask for "Hisar" or "Ankara Kale". There are some good museums to tempt you along the way andalso some mosques of about 800 years (taking off your shoes and covering your hair/legs for the women - you should be able to visit).
As you get very close to the top, you will see some eateries (mostly reasonable prices), some very old antique shops or trade shops - should be able to get some nice souvenirs here, finally walking past the huge bags of spices and nuts, you are at the gate to the citadel.
From here onwards walk slowly and take in the sights, this is living history, some very old houses - mostly lovingly restored, narrow cobblestone streets - when you get to the charming old ladies calling "madam, madam ... handmade ...) you are the top. Take in the sights, take some photos basically the whole of Ankara is at your feet - but walk carefully - not for the faint hearted (nor the foolhardy who does not watch his step ... OH&S hasn't made it here yet).
Finish the outing in style by havng some turkish tea or a refreshing ayran then make your way slowly towards Ulus. If you still have some energy ask for directions to Hamamonu (there is an old hamam - bath house from 1400s) with a lot of restored old Ankara houses - a charming way to spend an hour or so.
Written May 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DavidK92647
Huntington Beach, CA23 contributions
Nov 2014 • Solo
While the view from the top of the citadel is very good, take the time to explore the streets in the surrounding neighborhood. you can either walk past the entry to the citadel or exit to the right as you descend down from your visit and then turn up any of the side streets. You'll find homes that are built on three or four generations of walls, and a photographers dream of urban detritus. Much more of a view of the real Ankara than you'll find in the shops and restaurants that surround the attraction.
Written December 8, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
toddydec
Birmingham, UK664 contributions
Sep 2012 • Solo
As a solo sightseeing whilst doing business in Ankara it was Ok for a look around during my day off. I was advised by my Turkish collegue who lives in Ankara not go here after or near dark as the people of the area are not trust worthy. So I went around lunch time on the Saturday. However I didn’t feel threated so I’m unsure if the statement was justified. The Castle itself is a bit of a let down. I just walked around until I found the entrance and wondered around. The castle needs to be revamped or restored and people encouraged to go, maybe a bit more information scattered around. The views are good but that’s about it. However the small and narrow street around it are enjoyable with small shops and restaurants. These being worth a visit rather than the castle
Written September 14, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
galadriel13_12
Montevideo, Uruguay
Es este lugar el que llaman la ciudadela de Ankara?
Gülnur Kaptanoglu
Ankara, Türkiye404,571 contributions
Evet Anksranin eski yerlesin bolgesi ve kalesi
Kacinci yilda yapilmistir
serdar ü
Ankara, Türkiye145 contributions
Kalenin ney yapım yılı belli değildir ancak Kale tarih içinde çeşitli dönemler yaşamıştır. İ.Ö. 2. yy. başında Romalıların Galatya'yı ( Ankara yöresi) işgalinden sonra kent büyüyerek kale dışına taştı. Roma İmparatoru Caracaila İ.S. 217' de kalenin surlarını onarttı. 222 - 260 arasında İmparator Severus Alexander ve Velerianus, Perslere yenilince kale kısmen tahrip edildi. 7. yy ' ın 2. yarısından sonra Romalılar kaleyi onarmaya başladı. İmparator Konstantinos 688'de dışkaleyi yaptı. IV. Leon ise 740' da kale duvarlarını onartırken içkale surlarını da yükselmiştir. İmparator Nikephoros ve İmparator Basileios da 9.yy' da kaleyi onarttılar.
Ankara Kalesi 1073' de Selçukluların eline geçti. 1101' de Haçlı komutanı Raimond tarafından alınan kale, 1227' de bir kez daha Selçukluların eline geçti. Selçuklu Sultanı 1. Alaeddin Keykubat' ın onarttığı kaleye Sultan II. Keykavus da 1249'da bazı ekler yaptırdı. Osmalılar döneminde onarım görmeyen kalenin surlarını Mısır Valisi M.Ali Paşa' nın oğlu İbrahim Paşa 1832' de onarttı. Surların bazı yerlerinde rastlanan sütun başlıkları, lahit ve heykel parçaları, onarımlarda toplama malzemeden yararlanıldığını gösterir.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ankara Castle
- Hotels near Ankara Castle:
- (0.05 mi) Divan Çukurhan
- (0.08 mi) Angora House Hotel
- (0.07 mi) Muratzade Konagi Boutique Hotel
- (0.10 mi) And Butik Hotel
- (0.14 mi) Antik Otel
- Restaurants near Ankara Castle:
- (0.03 mi) 3 Mim Kale Meydan Sofrasi
- (0.03 mi) HANCI
- (0.03 mi) Erimtan Muze Cafe
- (0.03 mi) Pirinc Cafe
- (0.10 mi) Kirit Cafe
- Attractions near Ankara Castle:
- (0.07 mi) Anadolu Medeniyetleri Muzesi
- (0.05 mi) Rahmi M. Koc Muzesi
- (0.04 mi) Erimtan Arkeoloji ve Sanat Müzesi
- (0.05 mi) Türkpusat Geleneksel Savaş Pusatları Müzesi
- (0.08 mi) Pilavoglu Han
Ankara Castle Information
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