History and archaeology / Castle
Zilkale
Çamlıhemşin, Rize
A restored medieval castle in the Fırtına Valley, built on a steep rock about 100 m above the streambed.
Safety warning
Its story
Zilkale is about 12–15 km south of Çamlıhemşin, on the western slopes of the Fırtına Deresi, on a steep rock mass about 750 m above sea level and about 100 m above the streambed. Although its exact construction date is unknown, it is dated to the 14th–15th centuries, the period of the Empire of Trebizond. The structure, consisting of an outer wall, a middle wall and an inner castle, has a guardhouse, a chapel and a main tower, understood from the beam traces in the walls to have been four stories high. Together with buildings such as Varoş Kale (Kale-i Bala) and Ciha Castle, the castle ensured the security of the medieval caravan route. The restoration that began in 2008 has been completed; the castle, surrounded by forest, has become one of the valley's favorite photo spots.
Key facts
- Period
- Middle Ages (14th–15th century)
- Altitude
- About 750 m
- Getting there
- Çamlıhemşin–Şenyuva–Çat road
- Visit duration
- 1 hour
Trip purpose
- Photography
- Day trip
Location
40.95933, 40.96317
Where to eat nearby
No food & drink venues listed nearby.
Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors; Overture Maps
Reviews
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Source: Web derlemesi (doğrulanmalı): https://rize.ktb.gov.tr/TR-127865/kaleler.html | https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zilkale | https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/297314092