Ardanuç Castle, Medieval fortress in Ardanuç, Turkey
Ardanuç Castle is a stone fortress built on a rocky elevation near Ardanuç River, with outer walls measuring about 220 meters long and 55 meters wide. The structure includes a single-nave chapel made from unprocessed white stone and has distinct inner and outer defensive sections.
The fortress was founded in the 5th century during the reign of Georgian King Vakhtang Gorgasali as a defensive structure. It was substantially rebuilt and reinforced in the 9th century by Ashot I Kuropalates.
The chapel inside displays white stone walls with traces of blue paint showing how people once decorated their sacred spaces. These rooms reveal what daily life was like for those who lived within the fortress.
The site is accessible year-round and you can explore the ruins freely without barriers. Wear sturdy footwear since the rocky ground is uneven, and bring shade or plan your visit for cooler hours if visiting in summer.
Archaeologists resumed excavations in 2021 and continue to uncover details about medieval construction methods and former inhabitants. This ongoing work makes it a living site where history is still being revealed.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
