Kilitbahir Castle Museum

Top choice in Gallipoli Peninsula


Reopened in 2019 as a museum focussing on Ottoman and maritime history, this sprawling castle was originally built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 and given a grand seven-storey interior tower a century later by Süleyman the Magnificent. It and Çimenlik Kalesi in Çanakkale ensured the Ottomans retained control of the Dardenelles. Don't miss ascending the interior tower for views of the storied waterway. A studio with VR headsets allows less mobile travellers to still experience the castle's interior and exhibitions.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Gallipoli Peninsula attractions

1. Namazgah Bastion Museum

0.12 MILES

Housed in the historic oceanfront Namazgah Bastion, this compact museum has interesting naval exhibitions and period photographs, and exhibitions on the…

2. Nusrat Mine-Layer

1.01 MILES

Board the replica of the Nusrat mine-layer, which played a significant role in the Çanakkale Naval Victory. Admission is included in the ticket for the…

3. Çimenlik Kalesi

1.03 MILES

This compact castle was built by order of Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452, and is now a small military museum containing exhibits on the Gallipoli battles…

5. Yalı Camii

1.1 MILES

Located in Çanakkale's old town, and built by Tavil Ahmet Ağa in 1884. Open to Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Adjacent is an atmospheric Muslim cemetery.

6. Kent Müzesi

1.12 MILES

The lives of Çanakkale's residents since Ottoman times are the focus of this small museum, which has drawn on oral histories for the content of many of…

7. Clock Tower

1.18 MILES

The five-storey Ottoman saat kulesi (clock tower) near the harbour was built in 1897. It was paid for by an Italian consul and Çanakkale merchant who left…

8. Korfmann Library

1.26 MILES

Housed in a 19th-century former school in the old town, this library opposite the Tıflı Camii was the bequest of the late Manfred Osman Korfmann (1945…