This Byzantine hilltop fortress, with its moat, two dozen towers and vaulted underground chambers, was once Silifke's command centre. It was originally built by the Byzantines during the 7th-century Arab raids, though the present structure dates from 500 years later. The walls are its most impressive (and at present only visible) feature, as the interior is still undergoing excavation. At the time of writing, archaeological and restoration work meant the entire castle was off limits except for the viewing terrace.
Silifke Castle
Eastern Mediterranean
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
11.88 MILES
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13.52 MILES
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1.24 MILES
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14.41 MILES
At the northern end of Kızkalesi beach, Corycus Castle (sometimes called the 'Land Castle') was rebuilt with Roman material by the Byzantines, briefly…
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16.17 MILES
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Nearby Eastern Mediterranean attractions
0.3 MILES
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0.53 MILES
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0.56 MILES
The stone bridge over the Göksu originally dates back to AD 78 but has been restored and rebuilt many times, including twice in the last century (1922 and…
4. Temple of Zeus & Necropolis
0.81 MILES
Ancient Silifke's necropolis, alongside busy İnönü Bulvarı, has been fenced off so all you can do is peek between the railings at the rather sad ruins of…
1.05 MILES
Built by the Ottomans, the Roman columns supporting the back and front porticoes of this mosque were originally from the Temple of Zeus.
1.24 MILES
This Christian site is dedicated to St Thecla, one of St Paul's early devotees. Thecla is said to have spent her later years here trying to convert the…
1.5 MILES
To the east of Silifke's centre, on the main road heading to Taşucu, this local museum showcases Roman figurines – one in impressive full uniform – and…
11.59 MILES
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