Central and Southern Aegean Coast Sights

Guidebooks

Genoese castle

Write a review

Genoese castle Review

There aren't many sights in Kusadasi proper, but the causeway off Kadinlar Plaji (Women's Beach), just south of the harbor, connects the town to an old Genoese castle on Güvercin Adasi (Pigeon Island). Today the site of a popular disco and several teahouses with gardens and sea views, the fortress was home to three Turkish brothers in the 16th century. These infamous pirates—Barbarossa, Oruc, and Hayrettin—pillaged the coasts of Spain and Italy and sold passengers and crews from captured ships into slavery in Algiers and Constantinople. Rather than fight them, Süleyman the Magnificent (ruled 1520-66) hired Hayrettin as his grand admiral and set him loose on enemies in the Mediterranean. The strategy worked: Hayrettin won victory after victory and was heaped with honors and riches.

    Contact Information

  • Location: Kusadasi
Write a review

Fodorite Reviews

Be the first to review this property

Free Fodor's Newsletter

Subscribe today for weekly travel inspiration, tips, and special offers.

· Browse Central and Southern Aegean Coast sights

By Location

 Fodor's Trip Planning Ideas

Travel Deals in The Central and Southern Aegean Coast

* Some taxes, fees additional

· Forums Trip Reports

View more trip reports

·,

  • En Route from Istanbul to Budepest

    Hey all!
    I will be traveling along the coast of the Black Sea with a friend until June 30th where we'll end in Istanbul. The following 11 days I'll be on my own until starting a residency program in Budapes Read more

View more travel discussions

· News & Features

View more blog stories