The Sea Gate of a Seljuk Empire
Tucked into the rocks just below Alanya's castle, the Tersane is one of the most evocative monuments on Turkey's Mediterranean coast and the only surviving shipyard from the Seljuk era. Commissioned in 1228 by Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I, it transformed Alanya into a true naval base, giving the inland-rooted Seljuks a working window onto the sea. Walk inside today and you stand where shipwrights once hammered, caulked and launched the galleys of a medieval empire.
Five Stone 'Eyes' Open to the Mediterranean
The shipyard's defining feature is its row of five vaulted galleries, each opening directly onto the water. Locals have long called these arched bays the 'eyes' of the Tersane, and they remain remarkably intact nearly eight centuries on.
Built for the Galleys
Each gallery was wide and deep enough to build, shelter and repair a galley out of reach of sun and storm. The connected stone vaults, the slipways toward the sea and the small chapel and guard rooms tell the story of a busy, working harbour rather than a purely ceremonial site.
A Twin of the Red Tower
The Tersane was conceived as part of Alanya's grand maritime defences alongside the nearby Red Tower (Kızıl Kule), completed just a few years earlier. Together they guarded and supplied the fortified peninsula, and seeing both in one visit gives you the full picture of Seljuk sea power.
Highlights
- Five vaulted galleries: Wander the dim, echoing 'eyes' where galleys were once built and launched.
- Sea-level views: Frame the turquoise Mediterranean through ancient stone arches, an unbeatable photo spot.
- The Red Tower link: Pair the shipyard with the octagonal Kızıl Kule for the complete Seljuk defence story.
- Coastal approach: The short walk along the shore beneath the castle is half the experience.
- Maritime atmosphere: Cool, shaded vaults and lapping waves make it a refreshing midday escape.
- Rare survivor: No other Seljuk shipyard remains, making this a genuinely unique stop.
Pro tip: Visit in the late afternoon when the low sun pours straight into the galleries and the stone glows gold, then stay for sunset over the water before the crowds head back.
Getting There & Planning Your Visit
The Tersane sits on the eastern shore of Alanya's castle peninsula, just beyond the Red Tower. Most visitors reach it on foot via a short, scenic coastal path from the harbour and Kızıl Kule, while many boat tours pause offshore so you can admire the galleries from the water. Wear comfortable shoes for the uneven coastal terrain, bring water and sun protection, and allow extra time to combine it with the tower and castle above. Alanya is roughly 120 km east of Antalya Airport (AYT) and about 35 km from Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport (GZP).
Ready to step into Alanya's seafaring past? Browse Seven Tours' Alanya excursions and boat trips to pair the Tersane with the Red Tower, the castle and the sparkling Mediterranean coast.
