History and archaeology / Castle
Garpu Castle (Amazon Castle)
Salıpazarı, Samsun
An open-air temple popularly called Amazon Castle, on a rocky hill overlooking the Çarşamba Plain, known for its rock-cut stairs and Phrygian-type rock altar.
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Its story
Located in a forested area within the boundaries of the Konakören neighborhood, Garpu Kale, despite its name, has the features of an open-air temple and Phrygian-type rock altar rather than a defensive structure. On the rock outcrop, positioned at a point overlooking the Çarşamba Plain watered by the Yeşilırmak, there are a throne-shaped altar associated with the cult of Cybele and an altar area in the form of a mihrab-like niche. After entering through an arch-shaped carved gateway, you climb to the top by about 120 steps carved into the bedrock; hollows along the edges of the steps suggest there was once a railing. On the leveled platform, the rock altar can be seen together with a statue niche and a sacrificial pit. The castle is reached by walking about 2 km along a forest path known to have been used as a caravan route in the past; the Ardıç Pınarı spring is on the path 500 m before the castle.
Key facts
- Period
- Rock altar associated with Phrygian culture (Iron Age)
- Getting there
- About 2 km on foot by a path branching off the Konakören–Esatçiftliği gravel road
- Visit duration
- 2–3 hours (including the walk)
Trip purpose
- Free
- Photography
- Quiet
- Hiking
Location
41.01978, 36.89749
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://samsun.ktb.gov.tr/TR-216850/garpukale.html | https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Konak%C3%B6ren,_Sal%C4%B1pazar%C4%B1 | https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q131902318 | https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/2515305857