Summer Palace Beijing

The Summer Palace landscape, dominated mainly by Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, covers an area of 2.9 square kilometers, three quarters of which is under water. Its 70,000 square meters of building space features a variety of palaces, gardens and other ancient-style architectural structures. Well known for its large and priceless collection of cultural relics, it was among the first group of historical and cultural heritage sites in China to be placed under special state protection. If you take Beijing travel, the Summer Palace is absolute a must!

The Summer Palace, originally named Qingyi Yuan or the Garden of Clear Ripples, was first constructed in 1750. It was razed to the ground by the Anglo-French Allied Forces in 1860. The Government of the Qing Dynasty started to rebuild it in 1886 with funds that it had misappropriated from the Imperial Navy and other sources. Renamed two years later as Yihe Yuan or the Garden of Health and Harmony, it was supposed to serve as a summer resort for the Empress Dowager Cixi. Known also as the Summer Palace, it was ravaged by the Allied Forces of the Eight Powers that invaded China in 1900. The damage was repaired in 1902. Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Summer Palace has undergone several major renovations. Its major attractions such as the Four Great Regions, Suzhou Street, the Pavilion of Bright Scenery, the Hall of Serenity, the Wenchang Galleries and the Plowing and Weaving Scenery Area have been successively restored. A well-planned Beijing tour will be memorable.

The Summer Palace is a monument to classical Chinese architecture, in terms of both garden design and construction. Borrowing scenes from surrounding landscapes, it radiates not only the grandeur of an imperial garden but also the beauty of nature in a seamless combination that best illustrates the guiding principle of traditional Chinese garden design: ?°The works of men should match the works of Heaven.

Are you considering a visit to Germany? Why not visit the city of Cologne. It has a history which goes back to the Roman era. Located next to river Rhine and the fourth largest city in Germany it offers good a connection to the nearby cities of D?sseldorf and Bonn. Cologne is also linked with Amsterdam, Brussels, London and Paris by Thalys, ICE and Eurostar High Speed trains. The Frankfurt airport has a direct service to Cologne and is within one hour by ICE trains.

Cologne has plenty to offer in terms of entertainment and culture. The following places are certainly worth seeing:

The Gothic Cathedral, also known as the Dom, is the city’s most famous landmark and also a well known architectural monument in Germany. It is 144 metres long and 86 meters wide and has two spires that are 157 metres in height. Construction began in 1248 to house the relics of the Magi, the Dom was not completed until 1880. The completion of the cathedral was celebrated as a national event. Despite changing architectural styles through the centuries, the result is essentially Gothic. Situated in the centre of Cologne, from the top of the Dom’s south tower there are panoramic views across the city and surrounding area. Open daily from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, except during religious services.

The most impressive attraction in the Roman-Germanic Museum is the 70 square metre Dionysos-Mosaik. The mosaic, once the floor of the main room of a large Roman villa dating from the third century, was discovered in 1941 during excavation work for an air-raid shelter. The Museum, which was opened in 1974 and is situated near the K?lner Dom, boasts a collection of prehistoric, ancient and medieval finds. The exhibitions give an insight into the daily life, beliefs and customs of long-forgotten cultures. An unusual feature is the collection of Roman glassware.

Cologne is the city of live music and concerts, with music from all periods from all over the world and in the most diverse stylistic schools and movements performed here every day. The powerfully pulsating heart of this Cologne music culture, is the philharmonic hall built in the cathedral mound, which seats 2000 people. Since its opening in 1986, it has become one of the leading international concert halls. The ‘Philharmonie’ concert hall has at least one performance scheduled for virtually every day of the year. Recitals range from chamber music to jazz, folk and pop, with a house policy of encouraging lesser-known, new and unusual music.

The city hall in Alter Markt (Old Square) dates from 1330 but has a tower from the 15th century and a Renaissance facade from the 16th century. Having been damaged during the Second World War, part of the 14th-century Renaissance building was rebuilt. Cologne artisans concentrated particularly on restoring the City Hall tower, and thanks to their donations the City Hall got restored properly. Statues of emperors, popes, poets and academics – and also of women’s rights campaigners – look down from the tower on the busy square below.

The Old Market lies in the heart of the old town. Surrounded by bars and restaurants, it hosts a variety of events all year round: home to the Christmas market during the festive season and the Medienburgerfestival in the summer, the Old Market is perhaps best known for the Carnival which begins here at 11.11 am on the 11th day of the 11th month. This is when Cologne goes completely crazy. During the Middle Ages, the Old Market was Cologne’s commercial centre, and the nearby butter market, fish market and hay market were some of its subsidiaries. Nowadays, it is simply a focal point for tourists who flock here to witness the comings and goings around the market fountain.

Shanghai, the largest and richest city in China is an amazing mix of traditional China and western civilization.Symbols of Shanghai’s multi-cultural features scatter around every corner of the city particularly along the Huangpujiang River, which houses the largest array of Art Deco architecture in the world. Here are some top attractions in Shanghai:

#One: Yuyuan Garden

Yuyuan Garden is believed to have been built in the Ming Dynasty, more than 400 years ago. The exquisite layout, beautiful scenery and the artistic style of the garden architecture have made the garden one of the highlights of Shanghai.

Yuyuan literally translated means Happy Garden. It is located in the center of Shanghai’s Old City, a few blocks south of the Bund. It has a total area of about two hectares (five acres) and more than 40 attractions The inner and outer gardens were both built in the Ming Dynasty classical style, with numerous rock and tree garden areas, ponds, dragon-lined walls and numerous doorways and zigzagging bridges separating the various garden areas and pavilions.

#Two: Jade Buddha Temple

Jade Buddha Temple in Shanghai is an active temple, with 70 resident monks at the last count. The 70 monks who live and work there can sometimes be seen worshiping.

The temple was built between 1911 and 1918 in the style of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), with symmetrical halls and courtyards, upturned eaves, and bright yellow walls. The exterior is readily identifiable by the bright saffron walls.

#Three: The Bund

The Bund is one of the most recognizable architectural symbols of Shanghai.  The word ‘bund’ derives from an Anglo-Indian word for an embankment along a muddy waterfront and that is what it was in the beginning, when the first British company opened an office there in 1846. It became the epitome of elegance during Shanghai’s history as a city of trade. Now many attractive new constructions have been erected in addition to the historical buildings. A 771-metre long retaining wall for flood control was built. Atop the wall is a spacious walkway for sightseeing. Paved with colorful tiles and dotted with flower beds and European-style garden lights. It is a good place for a leisurely stroll and a view of the Huangpu River.

The Bund, which extends from Jinling Road in the south to the Waibaidu Bridge over the Suzhou Creek in the north, is on the western bank of the 114 kilometer long Huangpu River, a tributary of the Yangtze River.

#Four: Oriental Pearl TV Tower

Towering high above Pudong New Area, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower has been the outstanding landmark of Shanghai since its completion in 1995. The tower is 468 m high, the highest in Asia and the third highest in the world, next to the 553–meter-high CN Tower in Toronto, Canada, and the 540-meter-high TV Tower in Ostankino Tower in Moscow, Russia.

The tower includes 15 spheres of different sizes at different levels creating an artistic conception of “large and small pearls dropping onto a jade plate”. It has become a symbolic piece of architecture and a favorite sight for tourists in Shanghai.

#Five: Zhujiajiao Water Town

Zhujiajiao, Known as “the Venice of Shanghai”, is a well-preserved ancient town in water country in Shanghai typical of southeast China. During Three Kingdom as appeared as a village. Nowadays old streets and architecture in the style of Ming and Qing periods can be found and local customs characteristic of water country can be observed. Zhujiajiao is noted for its archaic water country scenery typical of southeast China – old town, peacefulness, tranquility and elegance.

The world expo shanghai 2010 will be held from May 1st to October 31th. During the time, it will be very crowded for the sightseeing sites. You’d better choose more flexible ways to plan your Shanghai tours.

Located in the center of the Iberian peninsula, 650 meters above sea level, we are Madrid, the capital of Spain. It has a population of 3,000,000 inhabitants, who joined the metropolitan area, is a figure in excess of 6,000,000.

The capital is a major financial and business center, with a significant amount of corporate head offices.

Excels in its cuisine cooked, tripe, churros (for breakfast and snacks), squid, potato tortilla, patatas bravas and the typical wines of the region.

The choice of hotels in Madrid is quite wide, with over 70,000 hotel rooms available.

Barajas airport is located at a distance of 15 kilometers along the motorway from Barcelona A-2. It has 4 terminals T1, T2, T3 and T4, which was the last one opened. It is accessible from the airport to the capital through the Metro Line 8 (Nuevos Ministerios-Aeropuerto T4).

Madrid’s climate is continental with cold winters (temperatures below 0 ?) and very hot summers (with temperatures above 40 degrees).

It is worth special mention are the San Isidro festival between 8 and 15 May and the feast of Our Lady of Almudena November 9, official patron of the Villa.

Notable Museums and Monuments:

-The Royal Palace in Madrid. It is located near Bailen street and Plaza de Oriente. It was opened by King Charles III. Neoclassical style, is considered one of the finest palaces in Europe. It has excellent facilities among which stand out, the Jardines de Sabatini, Annexes, Campo del Moro and the Throne Room.

“Puerta de Alcala: Monument of reference of the city of Madrid. It is located in Independence Square, at the confluence of the Calle Alcala and Calle Alfonso XII. It was built by Sabatini in 1778, by order of Charles III.

-The Museo del Prado is located on the Paseo del Prado. It is an ancient neoclassic style palace built by Juan de Villanueva. Its construction was completed during the reign of Ferdinand VII. Exhibition of the Flemish school are El Greco, Titian and Murillo.

“In the Plaza de Moncloa we find the Arch of Victory. This stands on a platform of 130 by 42 meters and a height of 39 meters. Dedicated to arms and letters, is the work of the architect Modesto Lopez Otero and Pascual Bravo.

Places of interest:

-Casa de Campo: a large forest in the city with pines and cedars. Within the same are in the Amusement Park and the Madrid Zoo.

-Parque del Retiro: green lung of the capital with numerous fountains and statues. There is a small lake where we can make boating.

-Parque Warner theme park located in the municipality of San Martin de la Vega, 29 kilometers south of the city. It can be reached by car via the motorway A-4 Andalusia in train from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha and by bus from the Plaza de Legazpi.

At one time in the 1920s, international companies wanted to buy land near Gullfoss, in the southwestern quarter of Iceland, and build a hydroelectric plant there. Sigr??ur T?masd?ttir, the daughter of a local farmer, helped lead the opposition to the plant. As a protest she walked all the way to Reykjav?k and even threatened to throw herself over the falls if the sale went through. Although the government did not intervene, she and her fellow opponents prevailed, and the land was given over to a nature preserve.

Iceland’s scenery has been shaped by fire and ice: it is a frozen land that is always letting off steam. More than 200 volcanoes, U-shaped valleys, jagged lava fields, hot springs and geysers and the largest icecap in Europe – bigger than all the mainland European glaciers put together – go to create a rugged, bizarre landscape unlike anything else on Earth. About 80% of Iceland’s land is lava desert, glaciers or lakes; the only arable areas are on the coast. Of the 300,000 or so Icelanders who sparsely populate this island, some two-thirds live in the capital, Reykjavik.

Until recently, the T?masd?ttir story was a one-off. Icelanders have been so used to having clean air, clean water, clean everything that they scarcely noticed when these marvellous assets were threatened.

Things Are Changing – For Worse

The colossal $3 billion K?rahnj?kar dam, due to be completed this year, will submerge under 150 metres of water a hitherto untouched 57 square km of wilderness, boasting gushing rivers, thundering waterfalls, multi-coloured mountains and mossy highlands ablaze with flowers. The project, designed solely to drive an aluminium smelter further down the valley at Reydalfjordur, has government support and will be paid for by Landsvirkjun, the national power company. The hydroelectricity it generates is contracted for sale for 50 years to the American aluminium giant Alcoa, which is closing two smelters in the US and relocating to Iceland as a cost-cutting measure.

After what it claims were extensive community input and environmental studies, Alcoa is fast completing construction of the Fjar?a?l (“aluminum of the fjords”) smelter, which is expected to create hundreds of jobs in Iceland, both in the facility and in supporting industries. Late in March this year, the first ship carrying cargo for the smelter arrived in Reydarfjordur. The Pine Arrow was bringing nearly 40,000 tonnes of alumina from Western Australia, after a voyage of 44 days. It takes almost two tonnes of alumina to produce one tonne of aluminium.

So far so good, it may seem. Four hundred jobs, an addition to the economy and the harnessing of natural power.

Karahnjukar Dam

But a movement called Saving Iceland, a coalition of groups opposing further development, is up in arms. The area of the dam is one of the main breeding grounds for reindeer. It is a protected nesting ground for thousands of pink-footed geese and a favourite haunt of the snowy owl, ptarmigan and the majestic gyrfalcon. The rock formations – red, black and all colours of the rainbow – are a unique record of 10,000 years of geological and climatic change, providing clues to scientists worldwide, studying, among other things, global warming. All this is to disappear under water. The environmental impact of the project spreads much wider than this highland wilderness and the fjord below. Other rivers will be disturbed, the habitat of animals such as seals will be destroyed and an officially protected area, Kringilsarrani, will be damaged. Many geologists fear catastrophic flooding may result from frequent glacial surges and eruptions in K?rahnj?kar’s catchment area. They also question the wisdom of building a huge dam on a substructure weakened by geothermal fissures.

“It is a very rare nature that we are the guardians of,” says Olafur Pall Sigurdsson, one of the organisers of Saving Iceland, “and we are squandering it.”

Last September, Omar Ragnarsson, one of the country’s most respected television reporters, announced that he could no longer cover the K?rahnj?kar project with impartiality and would campaign against it. Answering his call, more than 8,000 people attended an anti-dam rally in Reykjavik. In 2006 Andri Snaer Magnason, a poet, playwright and novelist, published Dreamland, an overwhelmingly convincing book that puts Iceland’s environmental issues into a global perspective.

Alcoa acknowledges that any human development cause changes within the environment. It claims to have a team of 60 people, all experts in their field, working to design the project in keeping with Alcoa’s long-term goals for sustainable development. 

Iceland’s Goals

What about Iceland’s long-term goals? It is hard to reconcile Alcoa’s words with the reality of this monster, which dominates the landscape – the main dam 190m high, 730m wide and 53 km of tunnels, the largest structure of its kind in Europe. Nor is it much consolation that Alcoa has launched its “Ten Million Trees” programme, starting with the planting of seedlings in the Reydarfjordur area. True, Iceland’s is a stark landscape, so deforested that the government used to (and perhaps still does) supply tree seeds to residents and ask them to scatter the seeds from their cars wherever they went.

Can Alcoa Forest possibly make up for Alcoa’s forced violation of the land?

Sensitive eco-tourists can contribute to Iceland’s economy and well-being, without doing damage, by travelling lightly, taking only photographs and leaving only footprints. AwimAway’s Iceland Gold tour (www.awimaway.com) takes in all the magical wonders of Iceland in a green and environmentally friendly way.

The Kwai River Bridge was made famous by the 1960s movie about a bamboo bridge being built by British Soldiers in Burma during World War II. This movie was mostly fiction, the bridge is of concrete/metal construction and it is actually located in Thailand. Thailand Tourism authority offers a great service of train tours. These are low cost trips that you can take that range from day trips to long weekends to various scenic parts of Thailand. Most of the trips begin and end in the Hua Laphong Rail Station, the main rail hub for passengers for the entire country. Pictures of this station are shown above. The station is clean and organized, but beware, it is also VERY busy. As a side note: Thailand uses their rail and bus system as their major artery moving people and products throughout their borders.
The tour that I choose was a day trip that took me almost to the Thai border with Myanmar, ending in the Soiyak Water Falls but making stops in Phra Pathom Chedi, Bridge over the Rive Kwai, the “Death Railway”, and the Kanchanabury WWII Cemetery. I will describe each of these stops in detail below. The trip was a full day, starting at 7 am and not returning to Hua Laphong Station until after dark, around 7 pm. The train was un-air-conditioned but was comfortable, at least while we were moving.
Phra Pathom Chedi
Our first stop was at the temple called Phra Pathom Chedi , The Temple main feature was a huge pagoda (see the pictures below. The stop was just long enough to walk from the train station to the Temple without too much rush. To get to the temple we walk through a city market area where you can get anything from a quick snack to a glass of ice coffee.
Bridge over the River Kwai and the “Death Railway
The Bridge was made famous by a 1960’s film of the same name. The film, however was in fact fiction based loosely on the events surrounding this bridge. I will not go into detail of the differences between the film and this bridge but will let that up to you. Briefly, the bridge is located in Thailand, not Burma but many people (mostly British soldiers) did give their lives building this bridge for the Japanese during World War II. This is why this railway is known as the “Death Railway” in Thailand. The rail line leading from the Kwai River Bridge to the Soiyak Water Falls appears treacherous but is well maintained and safe for travel. The railway follows the river and often has sheer cliffs overlooking the river and can be quite scenic. However, these conditions lead to many deaths during WWII.
Kanchanaburi WWII Cemetery
The WWII Cemetery in Kanchanaburi is filled with the bodies of the people who gave their lives constructing the Kwai Bridge for the Japanese Army. This stop is quite sobering knowing these men gave their lives building the rail line that was we were just on.
Soiyak Water Falls
The Soiyak Water Fall is the final stop of this trip and it is quite refreshing. The waterfall is augmented in areas with concrete and being an geologist is could tell immediately that it wasn’t natural. The industrious Thai People have taken and natural water supply and made is a tourist stop. The surrounding area is a natural area and protected from development, which is good. There are hiking trails leading to the water falls source; a small stream filled with small fish and is icy cold. Also along the trail is a few caves to explore. The Thai People find these areas sacred, as evidenced by the presence of sacred images located in the caves. The trail are quite interesting, having many native plants and animals to observe along the way.
At the very end of the Railway sits an historic train, once used by the Japanese during the construction of the railway. The plaque commemorating the train and the people who died in its construction gave the trip some meaning for me.
We returned to the Hua Laphong Rail Station rather late and I was quite tired, but the trip was worthwhile and I would recommend this trip to anyone interested in learning some about historical Thailand. For more interesting travel ideas please visit my website: www.apllc-connect.com/travel/.

Las Vegas hotels and casinos are famous for more than 60 years. The main reason of this reputation was that Nevada legalized gambling in 1931 and the construction of hotel and casinos take start.

Today, Las Vegas has over a hundred hotels, casinos, spas, pools, restaurants, shops, health clubs and so on. People come from all over the world to spend their time in Las Vegas because this city has something for everyone. Some people come to visit and see the magnificence of this well known city, some people come for a holiday, some people come for business travel and some for gambling.

Las Vegas has many habitats that attract people such as Lion Habitat at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage Hotel and Casino and Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotels and Casino.

There are hundreds of dining options in Las Vegas, you can see the list of restaurants and cafes from the Hotel descriptions and you may have information from the reviews.

You can also write your ideas about the restaurants or your comments about the hotel.

The casinos are so popular in Las Vegas. Table games, poker rooms or race and sports book varies due to the concept of the hotel. Some hotels have no casino or nightclub because these hotels are only designed for relaxation of the guests. Businessmen and the people who want to relax, may choose these hotels. Moreover, The Blue Moon Gay Resort is Vegas’ first and only gay resort that may be the choice of gays.

If you want to achieve healthy results for your travel, write down Las Vegas Hotel Reviews to google and make a nice holiday.

1) Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal is one of Seven Wonders of the World. Taj Mahal is an unparallel monument among the constructions of Mughal period. It has made the name of Anjumandbanu, the queen of Shahjahan, immortal, all over the world. She was popularly known as Mumtaz Mahal.
Shahjahan built this beautiful and grand Taj, in her memory after she died in 1631. Four-and-a-half corer rupees were spent, in those days, in constructing Taj Mahal. Its construction started in 1631 and was completed in 1653. It was built on a raised platform of marble, on the banks of Yamuna.
It has an attractive entrance. There is a dome in marble pieces and precious stones. Above all, there are beautiful gardens suurounding it and the fountains complete the glory and beauty of it.
The grave of Mumtaz lies in the centre of Taj. It is surrounded by beautiful artistic octagonal fence, carved out of stone. A beautiful saying is inscribed on one of its arch’s – ” Pious hearts are welcome in the garden of Paradise.” The grandeur of Taj attracts thousands of people every year.
2) Red Fort
This fort was built by Shahjahan in 1638. It took him at least 10 years to build it. Red stone is used in this Mughal style architecture. This fort has two arch shaped entrances and marble domes.
This fort includes Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khas, Rang mahal, Glass palace of Mumtaz, Moti Masjid by Aurangzeb, Lahori Gate, Mina bazaar and Mughal Garden.
Peacock throne is best artistic creation of this fort, which Nadir Shah took along with him to Iran after looting Delhi. The ceiling of the marble walled room of Diwan-e-Khas is carved with silver.
It also has the royal bath and Rang Mahal. Now, flag hoisting is carried out every year on the occasion of national festivals.
If you have some more time in your vacations you may visit Mumbai as well. Here is a place in Mumbai you wont forget in your entire life.
3) Juhu Beach, Mumbai
Mumbai is the capital city of Maharashtra state is one of the most popular cities of India. This is the place where Indian cinemas (Bollywood/Hindi cinemas) are made. Juhu is a popular area in Western Mumbai, and the most popular site in Juhu area is the beautiful Juhu beach. Juhu beach is the most beautiful and important beach in Mumbai.
The distance from VT railway station to Juhu beach is approximately 19 kms. You can easily reach Juhu beach either on your own vehicle or by public transport.
Juhu beach is highly crowded during week ends and evenings. It is always pleasure to watch sun rise or sun set in Juhu. Also, if you want to taste the local food of Mumbai, Juhu beach is the best destination for the same. Juhu beach is clean, neat and comparitively well maintained beach.
Your visit to Mumbai is incomplete if you don’t go to Juhu beach. Ensure that you visit this place when you visit Mumbai.

For about three years it appeared that “The Friends of the Birmingham Central Library” ‘s campaign to save the old library was a successful one but as the news broke that it was not considered to be given the listed status, the dream turned to dust.

Birmingham Central Library, the current main library in the area was opened to the public in 1974 and is said to be the Europe’s largest public library. It is located in Chamberlain Square which is very convenient for access by all means of transportations. The library has always been controversial and attracted a lot of criticism and praise since before it was opened. In one of the most radical comments specially coming from a British, Charles, the prince of Wales pictured it “like a place where books are incinerated, not kept.” From the other side the building is described as the best example of Victorian and Edwardian construction which its true value has not been appreciated yet.

Ever since the rumors began that some high rank authorities are considering demolishing the Birmingham Central Library some of the brummies formed a campaign to prevent it. The hope for keeping the library rocked up when “English Heritage” made a favorable recommendation to the architecture minister, Margaret Hudge to the effect that the old library should be given a listed status.

Finally on 23 November, 2009 it came as a great shock to the campaigners that despite all their efforts and the advice of “English Heritage”, Hudge rolled out the expectations and undermined the building as “not of special architectural or historic interest.”

But it was not a sad day for everybody. The news, from the other side, was greatly welcomed by The Birmingham City Council and the majority of brummies for it paves the way for building the new super-library which is estimated to cost 195 million British pounds. Many praise the authorities just for having the audacity of suggesting such project amid one of the toughest recessions of century.

The construction of the new library will take about four years and thousands of jobs will be created. It is predicted that after a few months of opening it will turn into the busiest public place in Europe. It will be a flamboyant colossal structure with a vast area reserved for fashion stores, restaurant and supermarkets.

So before it is too late pack your bags and rush to Birmingham otherwise you might not get in time to be one of the last visitors of the good old library. But before getting on the plane or a train it would be a good idea to check out at least a few online resources for hotel reservation services and/or ticket booking.

There are so many great hotels and bed and breakfasts to choose from extra luxurious five star to economy and low price but convenient enough for a nice stay around soon to be “the place of old library”. A few of them are literary right around the corner of the Birmingham Central Library. Being just on the Paradise Circles accommodation and transport would be the list of a tourist’s worries.

The promontory and castle of Alanya are visible for miles and offer superb views of beaches and mountains.Now a large modern resort, in Roman times Alanya was called Coracesium, and was a stronghold of the pirates who menaced the grain fleets on their passage to Rome. After the defeat of the pirates in 65 BC, Coracesium became a thriving city. The Sel?uk ruler,Alaeddin 1. Keykubad, made Alanya his winter residence and fortified it heavily.

A double line of defensive walls mounth the promontory toenclose the Citadel(Kale), inside which is a Byzantine church. The harbour is commanded by the 35 m-high (115 ft). Red Tower (K?z?lkule), a hexagonal structure built by Alaeddin Keykubad 1 in 1226 and now restored. Thered Tower protected Alanya’s strategic dockyard, or tersane, which could accommodate five ships under construction at once. In Sel?uk times, the plentiful local forest provided ample timber for shipbuilding and even for export.The garden of the museum has a collection of farming toolks as well as items drom. Pamphylian sites in the area. A Phoenician inscription from the 6th century BC shows the development of lettering from its cuneifrom origins Atat?rk visited Alanya for a few days in 1935. The owner of the house where he stayed turned it itno a museum. The ground floor has photograhand Atat?rk memorabilia , and the upper floor displays the furniture of a typical Alanya house in Republican times. There are several caves around the base of the cliffs, including a phosphours cave, a pirate cave and a lovers cave. The best known is the stalactite-hung Damlata? Cave, said to provide relief from asthma. The internal temperature registers a steady 23 C(73 F). Access is from the western beach, behind the Damlata? Restaurant.