History and archaeology / Castle
Ravanda Castle
Polateli, Kilis
A medieval castle on a conical hill east of the Afrin Stream, reached by 255 steps, an important base of the County of Edessa in the Crusader period.
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Its story
The castle, within the boundaries of the village of Belenözü (Ravandan) in Polateli, about 24 km northwest of Kilis, is built on a high, conical hill whose top was shaved to shape it. Definite information goes back to the 11th century and the period of the Crusades: attached to the Crusader County of Edessa (Urfa) in 1098, the castle became an important base on the road linking Edessa to Antioch; Nureddin Mahmud, ruler of Aleppo, took the castle back in 1151. The surviving inner castle has partly ruined walls and towers, two large cisterns, possible palace remains and a south gate repaired many times. As no excavation has been carried out, part of its history is based on estimates. The summit is reached by 255 steps.
Key facts
- Period
- 11th–12th century and later
- Admission
- Free
- Getting there
- Belenözü village, Polateli; ~24 km from Kilis
- Visit duration
- 1–1.5 hours
Trip purpose
- Free
- Photography
- Hiking
Location
36.87304, 37.05387
Reviews
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Source: Web derlemesi (doğrulanmalı): https://kilis.gov.tr/ravanda-kalesi | https://www.kilis.bel.tr/index.php/2024/09/19/15264/ | https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/174910605