Manisa Castle

Manisa Castle, locally known as Manisa Kalesi or Sandıkkale, lies on Sandık Hill in the foothills of Mt. Spil above the city of Manisa, in the province of Izmir in Turkey.

The town of Manisa was known as Magnesia ad Sipylum in ancient Greek times. Manisa Castle is said to be of Byzantine origin. In 1313 the Byzantines were expelled after a siege by Saruhan Bey.

In the early 16th century, Manisa Castle twice served as a refuge for the Ottoman Prince Şehzade Korkut. The castle was attacked in 1513 by Sultan Selim I after which Korkut was killed. This was all the historical information I was able to find. If you know more, please mail me.

The ruins of Manisa castle don't show much architectural detail. Also, the castle area covers such a large part of the mountain's slope that I suspect it was more like a walled settlement than a real castle. I encountered one ruined building which was covered in what I at first believed to be trash. Closer inspection showed it were all small notes, tied with ribbons or secured in niches in the walls with small pieces of rock. So probably it was some kind of 'wish' ruin?

An extensive site with great views over the city of Manisa. It is freely accessible.

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