The foundations of the Ankara Citadel and the castle were laid by the Galatians on a prominent lava outcrop, and the Romans completed the rest. The Byzantines and Seljuk further made restorations and additions.
The area around and inside the citadel, being the oldest part of Ankara, contains many fine examples of traditional architecture. There are also recreational areas to relax.
Many restored traditional Turkish houses inside the citadel area have found new life as restaurants serving local cuisine.
Walking in the Citadel
The citadel has two rings of walls: the outer walls protect the old quarter, while the inner castle, with its towers, stands at the top of the hill. Walls built with the stones of older buildings, with ancient columns, altars and inscriptions set into them, show how many times the city was rebuilt. From the top of the towers, the view stretches over the whole of modern Ankara, and it is especially beautiful at sunset.
Inside the walls, narrow cobbled streets lead between restored Ottoman houses, small shops selling spices, dried fruits and handicrafts, and the Alaeddin Mosque, built in the 12th century with its fine carved wooden pulpit. Below the citadel, the restored quarter of Hamamönü is a lovely place for a Turkish coffee.
Combine it with
The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is just below the walls, and the Rahmi M. Koç Museum, in an old Ottoman inn nearby, is a delight for families. The Temple of Augustus and Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Atatürk, complete a day in the capital.
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