# Fethiye Castle (Fethiye Kalesi) — Medieval Fortress and Panoramic Viewpoint
The ruins of a medieval Knights Hospitaller castle on a hill, currently closed for restoration but offering scenic views over the Fethiye Gulf.
Fethiye Castle is situated on top of a hill overlooking the town, directly above the famous Lycian Rock Tombs. In antiquity, this hill served as the acropolis of Telmessos. The fortress walls seen today were constructed in the 15th century by the Knights Hospitaller of Rhodes. Later, it was used by the Ottoman Empire, but fell into ruin after several severe earthquakes.
Currently, the castle itself is closed to the public due to extensive archaeological excavations and restoration work under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's "Legacy for the Future" (Geleceğe Miras) project. Archaeologists are restoring the walls, towers, and a Byzantine chapel. While you cannot enter the ruins, the hill remains a popular spot for photography, offering views of Fethiye town, the marina, and the gulf from the slopes.
A steep paved town road leads to the base of the castle hill through the old Kesikkapı neighborhood. The uphill walk from the town center takes about 15–20 minutes. Near the closed excavation site, several local cafes with panoramic terraces operate along the hillside.
Practical Information
- Location: Fethiye town center, Kesikkapı district
- Road: Paved city road (steep walk from the town center or accessible by taxi)
- Infrastructure: Closed for restoration; no facilities inside the fortress, but cafes and restaurants are located nearby on the hill
- Entrance: Entry to the castle is temporarily closed; viewing spots on the outer slopes are free
- Tip: Since the castle is fenced off, visit in the late afternoon to enjoy the sunset views over the marina from the hillside. Wear comfortable walking shoes for the steep streets.