The Hıdırlık Kulesi Tower is an ancient Roman structure. It is located in the southern part of the bay, on the southeastern edge of the Kaleici quarter, on the border with Karaalioglu Park. The cylindrical drum is mounted on a massive square base, probably built in the Hellenistic period. The total height of the tower is 13.5 meters. The entrance inside is through a door in the east facade, from where a narrow staircase leads through a small hall to the upper floor. The tower dates back to the 2nd century AD, when the Anatolian coast was dominated by the Roman Empire. The exact original purpose of the structure is still being debated by historians.: Perhaps the tower served as a beacon — a guiding star for ships heading to the harbor. The structure could be used as a fortress to protect the inhabitants of the city from the sea. There is an assumption that the tower was a tomb — perhaps it served as the mausoleum of a major Roman official and for members of his family. However, during the excavations, archaeologists were unable to find any graves. The tower is built of hewn massive blocks of stone and large reddish-colored bricks. Some features: Ancient documents contain information that the tower ended with a high pointed dome, but it has not been preserved, as it was destroyed during the Byzantine Empire. At the top of the tower, there are traces of restoration carried out by the Seljuks in the Middle Ages. The Khydyrlyk Tower is an open—air historical monument. Today, it attracts tourists with its ancient architecture and views from its surroundings to the Mediterranean Sea and the city. Inside the tower there is a huge square stone block — a mysterious element that, according to some historians, could serve as part of the tomb.

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Марина В.

Level 13 Local Expert

Khydyrlyk Tower. Don't expect anything incredible from the tower itself: you can't get inside, it's just an old stone monolith. But the magic lies in its location! It offers stunning panoramic views of the bay, the mountains and the old port. We came to the sunset, and it was a fantastic sight — the sun setting in the sea, coloring the sky in incredible colors. Very romantic and atmospheric.

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Ирина С.

Level 19 Local Expert

The tower was built in the 2nd century AD by the Romans. It probably played the role of a lighthouse or defensive structure. The total height is 13.5 meters. There is a beautiful observation deck next to it.

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Hidirlik Tower

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