One of the unique examples of Seljuk art, the structure is the symbol of Alanya. It is a defense and surveillance structure built during the Seljuk Period to protect the port where trade was carried out and to prevent attacks against the castle from land. It was built in 1226 by the Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat by an architect named Abu Ali from Aleppo (Syria). The name of the architect is mentioned in the inscription on the north facade. An inscription on the south façade glorifies Alaaddin Keykubat and attributes to him such praiseworthy qualities as "the ruler of nations, the sultan of the sultans of the world, the protector of justice, the sultan of the land and the two seas, the helper of the Muslims". The building is 29 meters in diameter and 33 meters high and was built in an octagonal plan with stone and brick materials.

Contrary to its simple appearance on the outside, it has a very complex plan on the inside. Each floor of the five-story building has a different plan. On the octagonal pillar in the center, which is the main support of the building, a cistern is placed along the height of the first floor. On each floor there are defensive openings with sloping observation battlements and battlements with battlements in front of them. On the ground and first floors, there are vaulted iwan-shaped spaces opening to vaulted corridors. Above the first floor, there is a mezzanine floor consisting of a narrow and flattened corridor surrounding the building and small rooms opening to it. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors are open terraces. On the second floor above the mezzanine, there is an open courtyard surrounded by large vaulted spaces, two on each side of the octagon. On the third floor, there are three small spaces on each side and a terrace opening onto them. The fourth floor consists of dendans made for defense purposes, consisting of battlements and openings, and a terrace for walking.

The Red Tower is also used as an Ethnography Museum. The entrance and first floor of the five-storey tower is organized as a museum. From time to time, cultural and artistic events such as painting exhibitions and classical music concerts are organized in the historical building. From the top floor of the tower, the fascinating view of the eastern side of the city and the settlement texture of the historical peninsula can be seen.