Alanya's Historical Ruins

The shipyard with foundry at the far left

On two different occasions during this past week (primarily because most of the tourists have left and the weather is cooler), we finally visited some of the local historical sites.  These included one trip to the shipyard / foundry and one to the picture-ready Red Tower, both part of the ancient fortifications located in Alanya's harbour.

A rare picture of the complete clan
in one of the ship galleries

First, we visited the 13th century shipyard, which, according to our books is the second largest in all of Anatolia.   It was constructed for five ships and each gallery is 120 feet deep - big ships!  The shipyard museum which is open air and inside the galleries  is full of exhibits, including mock ships that have been pulled in for repair, a star navigation exhibit and many types of ancient anchors.  We also explored the gun foundry tower which is situated at one end of the yard.   Of course, we had to walk along an elevated seawall to get both the shipyard and foundry. Brewer had the time of his life hiking and exploring!  We let him lead the way as much as possible.

Red tower and Ataturk statue

More recently on a sunny, mid-60 degree weather morning we set out for the harbour again.  After a quick stop at a muddy playground we trekked out to Alanya's lighthouse which had been catching Brewer's eye for sometime.  It was quite a walk out the seawall to reach it and Brewer and Ruby made conversation with several fishermen and other locals repairing their boats along the way.  It was closed when we arrived but the kids were content to sit in its shade with their snack of nuts, oranges and crackers and watch the water and coast.  

Admiring the arches at the top
of the Red Tower

The impressive door to the Red Tower

Brewer, hanging in the Red Tower

After that it was on to the main attraction, the Red Tower.  Prominent in any view of the harbor and certainly any Alanya travel brochure, this impressive structure, erected to control to harbour, dates back to 1226.  The locals have every right to brag on it too.  Wow.  It is an octagon shape and although quite plain on the outside, the arches, steps and rooms inside are beautiful and intricate.