Fortifications and ramparts to visit Turkey

On the Cumhuriyet square, the citadel is accessible by two entrances. Built by Justinian in the VIth century, rebuilt with black volcanic rocks, in 1224, by the sultan seldjoukide Keykubad, the walls are 3 m thick! Today it houses the market. It is a pity that the traders use some facades to display advertising boards... By climbing on its walls, you will discover a marvellous view on the city.

If you have the courage, this is an idea for a nice walk from the agora. This is where the ancient acropolis of Smyrna was located, built by Lysimachus during the reign of Alexander. However, the current walls of the citadel come from the Byzantine period. The view from the fortress, on the gulf, is magnificent. The enclosure would however need a restoration by places. Small restaurant on the spot, with the splendid panorama.

Founded by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad at the beginning of the 13th century, the citadel underwent two major restorations, one in 1470 by Ishak Paşa the Ottoman, the second much more recent, in 1955. It is probably built on the site of an earlier building, perhaps dating back to the Hittite era. The octagonal bell tower serves as a landmark. The enclosure houses a mosque, tombs and a green garden with a beautiful view of the old town. The building is easily accessible and well restored.

To the northwest, the Myndos Gate was part of the city walls, 7 km long at the time of Mausoleus, who ordered its construction in the 4th century B.C. It is the only remaining gate. You can also see the remains of a moat, as well as several ruins, a little further on. Also, some tombs and mosaics. The date of 334 B.C. remains famous because many soldiers of Alexander the Great died in the moat by drowning.