Ankara Castle Ankara Castle, originally built as a garrison, now serves as a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore various museums such as the Anatolian Civilizations Museum, old Ankara houses, mosques, and other historical sites that Ankara has to offer. Although there is no concrete evidence of when the Ankara Castle was initially constructed, some archaeologists believe that the Hittites, who had a military garrison in Ankara, built the castle. However, it is more commonly associated with the Roman, Byzantine, and Seljuk periods during which time it underwent numerous renovations. The castle is situated on top of a hill and overlooks both the distance and the red-tiled houses of Ankara up close. The castle's exterior wall is thick and has towers that surround old Ankara like a protective edge. With walls that stand about 14 meters high and encompassing a total area of 43 square kilometers, the fort has 42 towers, with its highest point, called Akkale or Alitaşı, located in the southeastern corner. One of the castle entrances displays writing from the Ilkhanate Empire, while the northwestern section includes writings from the Seljuk Empire. Over the years, the exterior wall of Ankara Castle suffered damage, but its interior remained intact. In the 8th and 9th centuries, Roman ruins from the city were used to refurbish the castle, with some marble blocks and pillar heads still visible on the southern side. The castle underwent severe damage during many invasions, starting with the Galata invasion in the 2nd century BC. The walls were almost completely destroyed after the Persians defeated Emperor Severus Alexander from 222 to 260. Since the 7th century, the castle has undergone several renovations to keep it operational. The most recent was in 688, when Constantine the Great built a new outer wall to accommodate the city's new borders. In 1073, the Seljuk Empire took over the castle, and in 1832, during Ottoman rule, Maktul Ibrahim Pasha restored it. Today, Ankara Castle is a blend of architectural remnants from different eras. The old Ankara houses inside the outer walls are exceptionally beautiful. As the sun sets over the great capital city, it creates a stunning contrast between the new and old sections of Ankara, highlighting the beauty and age of the castle's juxtaposition.