History and archaeology / Castle
Şeytan Kalesi (Devil's Castle)
Çıldır, Ardahan
An impressive medieval castle near Çıldır, on a rock surrounded by cliffs on three sides, dominating the Karaçay canyon.
Safety warning
Its story
The castle stands on a rocky hill with cliffs on three sides, in the canyon formed by the Karaçay valley, about 1.3 km north of Yıldırımtepe in Çıldır. In Georgian sources it appears under the name Kacistsihe; its Turkish name is a translation of this name. Although its exact construction date is unknown, it is accepted as an early medieval castle, and there are also views that it goes back to older periods. It came under Ottoman rule at the end of the 16th century. Of the three towers of the castle, which measures about 161 x 93 meters, one is intact; in the lower part you can see the walls of a single-nave 14th-century chapel, a cistern and the remains of steps descending to the stream. You can drive to the viewing platform on the opposite ridge and descend to the castle on a footpath; night lighting creates a special view in the canyon.
Key facts
- Period
- Middle Ages
- Admission
- Open area
- Elevation
- 1,910 m
- Getting there
- About 1-2 km from the Çıldır district center, Yıldırımtepe
Trip purpose
- Photography
- Day trip
- Hiking
Location
41.15406, 43.13201
Where to eat nearby
No food & drink venues listed nearby.
Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors; Overture Maps
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Source: Web derlemesi (doğrulanmalı): https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Şeytan_Kalesi | https://goturkiye.com/ardahan/see | https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/14119638401 | https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/120306806