Kadifekale (Velvet Fortress)

Kadifekale (Velvet Fortress) Review

Climb the windy, restored ramparts of the Kadifekale, built by Alexander the Great, for sweeping views of the city and its harbor, and use the castle to orient yourself when you're walking around the city. The name, which translates as "velvet castle," supposedly alludes to the resemblance of the present-day citadel's walls to rubbed velvet. Rebuilt after various mishaps, and enlarged and strengthened by successive conquerors, the structure looks like a childhood fantasy of a medieval castle, with solid stone blocks (some dating from Alexander's day), Byzantine cisterns, and Ottoman buttresses jutting out to support the walls. Locals will warn solo visitors (especially women) not to visit the Kadifekale alone for fear of being hassled or harassed.