Kadifekale Castle in Izmir | History, Best Time to Visit

Kadifekale Castle in Izmir is one of the most well-known and at the same time mysterious historical sites in the city. This castle, with a history of over 2,300 years, is located in the center of Izmir atop a hill with an elevation of 186 meters. The importance of Kadifekale Castle is not solely due to its strategic position and panoramic views of the Gulf of Izmir, but also because of the numerous stories, ancient civilizations, battles, migrations, and events surrounding it. In the following article, you’ll get more familiar with the mysterious tales and the rich history of Kadifekale Castle in Izmir.

The Legendary Tale of Kadifekale's Origin in Izmir, Turkey

An old legend recounts that in 334 BC, after defeating the Persian army, Alexander the Great went hunting on Mount Pagos (the hill where Kadifekale Castle stands today). During the hunt, he fell asleep under a plane tree. In his dream, two Nemesis goddesses appeared and told him to build a new city of Izmir on the slopes of the same hill where he had fallen asleep.

Upon waking, Alexander narrated his dream to the priest of the Temple of Apollo. The priest told him that if people settled on the slopes of this hill next to the sacred Meles River, they would be four times happier than before. This led to the idea of building Kadifekale Castle, and this mythical account forms the symbolic and spiritual story of Kadifekale Castle and the new city of Izmir.

History of the Construction of Kadifekale Castle in Izmir

The original structure of the castle was built by Lysimachus, one of Alexander’s generals, to protect the city from foreign invasions. During the Roman era, the castle was extensively expanded. Inside the castle were storerooms, cisterns (water reservoirs), and remarkable military defense structures. In the article on historical mansions of Izmir, you can learn more about other historical buildings in this city.

On the western side of the hills, a stadium was constructed which was later demolished and now lies buried under residential areas.

Interestingly, remnants of an amphitheater can still be seen today on the northern slope overlooking the gulf.

In the 4th century AD, after the division of the Roman Empire, Smyrna (modern-day Izmir) came under Byzantine rule. The castle, however, had already suffered damage during the devastating earthquakes of 178 AD, but it was rebuilt by the Byzantines.

Then, in 1317 AD, Kadifekale (then known as the "Upper Castle") was captured by Mehmed Bey of the Aydinid dynasty, while the lower part of the city remained under Crusader control. Eventually, after numerous attacks, in 1402, Tamerlane launched a vast assault, captured both the upper and lower parts of the castle, and expelled the Christians from Smyrna. Finally, in 1422, Sultan Murad II annexed Kadifekale Castle into the Ottoman Empire.

What is the Architecture of Kadifekale Castle Like?

Kadifekale Castle featured 24 towers and fortifications stretching from the top of the mountain to its base, with outer walls extending close to the sea. The two main gates of the castle opened—one towards Ephesus (a renowned ancient city) and the other towards Sardis.

Inside the castle, in the late 14th century, a mosque was built by Qadi Ahmadoglu Ilyas. It is said that this mosque was constructed on the ruins of the Church of Revelation and even a temple dedicated to the goddess Nemesis. Near the entrance of the castle, Roman arched water reservoirs are located, which were also used during the Byzantine period and have been restored in recent decades.

The current walls of the castle mostly date back to the medieval period. However, some archaeologists believe that beneath these walls, traces of Hellenistic masonry can be found, though this theory has not been widely accepted.

Kadifekale Castle also played a crucial role in Izmir’s defense system during the Ottoman era. Today, the remaining parts of the castle—including the Roman water reservoirs and restored Byzantine sections—continue to reflect the rich historical and cultural heritage of Izmir.

What is the Current Condition of Kadifekale Castle in Izmir?

Since the 1950s, with increasing internal migration to Izmir, slums began to form around the castle. The area further declined socially and economically with the large influx of Syrian refugees. The castle and its surroundings, once a center of historical pride, turned into a forgotten and even dangerous neighborhood. Unfortunately, the castle's proximity (only 2.5 kilometers) to the center of Izmir, namely Konak, did not prevent its decline.

However, later, the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality launched revitalization projects in and around the castle, including the "Saturday Market." This market is held every Saturday in the heart of the historic castle, where local products, wood-fired bread, stuffed mussels (midye dolma), honey, olive oil, handicrafts, and traditional fabrics are sold. Visitors now believe that Kadifekale Castle in Istanbul (Izmir) has become a much safer, more vibrant, and more beautiful place.

Additionally, in 2015, the "Barış Youth Symphony Orchestra" was established for local children to keep them away from street crimes. The orchestra started with children from the Kadifekale neighborhood and now has nearly 100 members from various parts of the city. The orchestra performs regularly and has significantly contributed to the cultural revival of the area.

Visiting Kadifekale Castle in Izmir, Turkey

One of Kadifekale’s most important attractions is its expansive views. From the hilltop, visitors can enjoy breathtaking vistas of Izmir, the Gulf of Izmir, and the surrounding mountains. This viewpoint is especially captivating during sunrise and sunset, making it an ideal spot for photographers and nature lovers.

Of course, Kadifekale is not just a historical site—it’s also a leisure destination. The hill is filled with picnic areas, walking trails, and shaded spaces where visitors can relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

How to Get to Kadifekale Castle in Izmir?

Kadifekale is located approximately 2 kilometers from Izmir’s coastline and is easily accessible via public transportation or rental cars in Izmir. Visitors can take a bus or taxi from the city center toward the hill. Those who enjoy adventure can also hike up the hill to explore the area more thoroughly.

When is the Best Time to Visit Kadifekale in Izmir?

The best time to visit Kadifekale is during the spring and autumn seasons, when the weather is more moderate and pleasant. These seasons offer ideal conditions for outdoor activities and exploring various areas of the castle. While summer can be hot, early mornings or late afternoons still offer suitable times for visiting this beautiful and historic site.