Rize: Glamorous Castle Zilkale

Zilkale is a mysterious castle situated on a sheer rock in the Pazar area of Rize's F?rt?na Valley. Despite the fact that historians lack precise information on this castle, let's look at the historical castle that must be visited in order to enjoy the region's sights and surroundings.

Although the exact date of construction is unknown, it is thought to have builded?between the 13th and the 14th centuries. Anthony Bryer, a British historian, believes that during the Trebizond Empire, the central government or local overlords who cooperated with it must have built it. With its distinctive vista, Zilkale, one of Rize's most significant historical sites that has lately undergone restoration, attracts a lot of tourists.

A route leading northwest leads to the gate of Zilkale's outer castle part, which includes the outside walls, middle walls, and inner castle. With the aid of a terrace, the central portion of the walls can be reached. You can use a second door from here to enter the castle. The guardhouse, the chapel, and the head tower are three significant buildings in the middle castle. The tower has four floors, which are visible when we look at the beam holes in its walls. On the east, or valley and landscape side, of the walls, there are arched windows, while on the other sides, there are crenellations. The top of the castle is in the form of a terrace and hosts a unique view.

Zilkale?was built to guard the area as well as the vital ancient caravan routes that reached Bayburt, just as the other castles of the city, including Varo? Castle, Ciha Castle, and Maiden Castle. The castle, which was given the name Kale-i Zir after the Ottomans acquired the area, was used for security purposes well into the 18th century. Up to the end of the 1800s, it was utilized by the Greeks and Ottomans, especially the Genoese.

Zilkale, whose actual name is 'Zirkale', which translates to "The lower castle," has succeeded in appearing on the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's list of the 13 most spectacular castles in Turkey. After being restored, this building, which is on the Silk Road and will draw your attention wherever you are with its spectacular appearance, has become one of Rize's most popular destination!