Hotels near Kadifekale (Velvet Castle)

Perched on the summit of Mount Pagos at 186 m, Kadifekale (Velvet Castle) is the oldest strand of Izmir's story. The original fortress was raised in the late 4th century BCE under Alexander the Great's general Lysimachus, when Smyrna was replanned as a Hellenistic city. Successive Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman rebuildings left the weathered stone walls, cisterns and watchtowers you see today. The real reason to make the climb, however, is the panoramic view: the whole crescent of Izmir Bay, the Kordon, Karsiyaka across the water and the distant Aegean unfolds beneath you.

Opening hours: the ramparts are open daily from roughly 08:00 to 20:00. Entry is free in 2026.

Pro Tip: Ride the number 33 bus up and walk down through the neighbourhoods of Ikicesmelik and Agora - it is a photogenic descent that connects the castle to the ruins below.