Last updated on December 20, 2023.

It was a dizzying climb up the massive rock in the middle of the city of Afyon to Afyon Castle (Afyon Kalesi). It wasn’t easy, especially in the freezing cold.

Afyon Kalesi in Afyon, Turkey
Afyon Castle

 

Walking Up

I had to pace myself and eventually got up to the top in about 20 minutes, stopping to admire the views on the way up. Along the way there were a few kids selling çay, coffee, water, and snacks. The walk was steep at times but it didn’t feel unsafe.

The steps up to Afyon Kalesi in Afyon, Turkey
The steps up to the castle
The view on the way up to Afyon Kalesi in Afyon, Turkey
The view on the way up

 

Castle Ruins

At the top are the ruins of a castle. There has been some sort of fortress on top of the rock since Hittite times.

Afyon Kalesi in Afyon, Turkey
Afyon Castle
Afyon Kalesi in Afyon, Turkey
Castle walls
Afyon Kalesi in Afyon, Turkey
The Turkish flag at the top
Afyon Kalesi in Afyon, Turkey
Castle walls

I was exhausted but the views from the top were well worth the hike. I don’t think I’ve seen such an exhilarating view before, staring over cliffs that drop straight down into the city below. It was dead silent except for the howl of the wind, adding to the drama of the moment.

Afyon Kalesi in Afyon, Turkey
Castle walls
Afyon Kalesi in Afyon, Turkey
Afyon Castle
The view from Afyon Kalesi in Afyon, Turkey
The view of the city from the castle
The view from Afyon Kalesi in Afyon, Turkey
The view from the castle

While looking down on the city, I spotted some of the important buildings that I had just visited.

Zafer Meydanı from Afyon Kalesi in Afyon, Turkey
Victory Square (Zafer Meydanı)
İmaret Camii from Afyon Kalesi in Afyon, Turkey
İmaret Mosque
Sultan Divani Mevlevihanesi from Afyon Kalesi in Afyon, Turkey
Sultan Dîvânî Mevlevihâne Museum
Ulu Cami from Afyon Kalesi in Afyon, Turkey
Great Mosque (Ulu Cami)
Author

Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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