History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Ayas Castle (Port Castle), rising on the ruins of Aigeai, the most famous port city of ancient Cilicia, is the most strategic port castle of medieval Mediterranean maritime trade and the Crusades. The greatest importance of the castle in world history; Ayas Port was the first landfall port where the world-famous Italian traveler Marco Polo set off from Venice with his father and uncle in 1271 and started his famous China and Asia journey (Silk Road Expedition). The castle was fortified in the Middle Ages by the Genoese, Venetians and the Kingdom of Cilicia as the main port of spice and silk trade between East and West; It was later strengthened by the Mamluk Sultan Melik Eşref and the Ottomans. The castle's massive stone towers, vaulted corridors and observation portholes that defy the sea waves have survived to the present day. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
It is located in Yumurtalık district center, on the peninsula extending to the Mediterranean Iskenderun Gulf. Its altitude is 5 meters. The stone walls of the castle are washed by the deep blue salt waters of the Mediterranean; It is surrounded by palm trees, eucalyptus and fishing boats. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Entrance to the castle is completely free.•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): It is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.•Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: The courtyard and surroundings of the castle are level ground and suitable for stroller and wheelchair access; The upper stairs of the walls are steep. Care should be taken around the edges of the bastions on the sea side.•Facilities and Facilities:There are resting benches, information signs, coastal walking promenade, fish restaurants and clean WCs. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Ayas Mahallesi, Liman Caddesi No:1, 01680 Yumurtalık / Adana (Inside Yumurtalık Liman).•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: It can be easily reached by all kinds of passenger cars and tour buses via Adana and Ceyhan, via high-quality divided double asphalt roads.•Real Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): Yumurtalık minibuses depart from Adana Yüreğir Bus Terminal and Ceyhan Bus Terminal every 15 minutes and drop off passengers at the port square in front of the castle.•Parking Availability:There is a large free municipal parking lot for 100 vehicles at the port square and next to the castle. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Historical Heritage:Looking at the Mediterranean horizon and examining the historical corridors at the point where Marco Polo started his Asian expedition.•Best Photography Spots:Frames overlooking the Maiden's Castle, 400 meters away from the sea walls of the castle, and the reflections of the setting sun on the sea.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:You should have a fish feast accompanied by freshly caught Mediterranean sea bream, rock sea bass, jumbo shrimp and sea beans at the historical fishmongers in the harbour.