Most people prefer to rest at sea during the holiday period. One of the most popular resort cities is Alanya (Turkey), located near other popular cities of Antalya and Side, which in addition to sandy beaches and the velvet sea is rich in various attractions.
What to see in Alanya?
Alania: The Red Tower (Kyzyl Kule)
The tower in Alanya was erected in the 13th century by order of Seljuk Sultan Aladdin Kay-Kudab. It was decided to build it out of red brick, for which it got its name - the Red Tower. It served as a symbol of the superiority of the Turkish army in the seas and was intended to protect the bay of Alanya.
The construction is the main achievement of the city. His image can be seen on the flag.
Damlataş Cave in Alanya
The cave was discovered in 1948, when explosive work was carried out in the quarry. Before the builders opened the entrance to the grotto with a large number of stalagmites and stalactites, whose age is more than fifteen thousand years.
The carbonic acid in the air has a beneficial effect on the human body and can cure asthma, which has been proven by numerous researchers studying the healing properties of the cave.
During the six months in the grotto, water escapes.
Cave Dim in Alanya
The second largest cave in Turkey is the Dim Cave, whose height is 240 meters above sea level.
The legend says that the great Turk, to save his people, led him through this cave. Therefore, the cave was named after him.
In addition to a large number of stalagmites and stalactites in the cave, there is a small lake, whose diameter is 17 meters. The area of the cave itself - 410 square meters (one part - 50 sq. M, the second - 360 sq. M).
The cave of lovers in Alanya
There is in Alanya a cave, which has an unusual name - the cave of Lovers. The legend says that once near the mountain one of the Turkish ships was wrecked, the remains of which were found after many years. Also, two skeletons were found lying hugging each other. Hence the name itself - the cave of Lovers.
There is another point of view, more modern. If a couple in love jumps into the sea from the foot of the mountain, they will always be together. In order to get to the ledge you need to climb up, then go through the cave in pitch darkness and only then you will be near the exit on the other side to the sea. To go back to the boat that brought you to the cave of lovers, you must either jump down the mountain, or crawl back along the cave itself.
Alanya: Pirate Fortress
The fortress in Alanya is its main attraction. This is the only structure of the reign of the Seljuk government, which has survived to the present day. In total, the fortress has 140 bastions, 83 towers and has three rows of walls. On its territory there is a huge number of famous buildings. Among them are the palace of Sultan Aladdin, the tomb of Akshaba Sultun, the famous Suleiman mosque and many other buildings.
Alanya: the mosque
In the 16th century, the Seljuk builders built a mosque on the mountain, named after Suleiman, the then Legislature, who was ruling at the time. In size, it is the second after the Ahmediyeh mosque: its area is 4,500 square meters, which are home to baths, kitchens, educational institutions, a library and an observatory.
Also in the courtyard of the mosque is the mausoleum, in which Suleiman and his wife are buried.
Going on vacation to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea in Alanya, take the time to visit the most important of its attractions. Walking around the outskirts of the city will allow you to get acquainted with the culture of the country and its natural monuments, which here are countless.