Unye Castle, Ancient fortress in Ünye, Türkiye
Unye Castle is an ancient fortress perched on a limestone hill, featuring four defensive walls, underground tunnels, water storage chambers, and rock tombs carved directly into the stone. The site displays a complex layout with various chambers and passages that reveal careful planning by those who built it.
The monumental entrance gate dates to the 1st century BCE during the reign of King Mithridates II of the Pontic kingdom. The fortress later became caught in conflict when the Roman commander Pompey advanced through the region, marking a turning point in its history.
During early Christianity, the central part of the fortress became a sacred area where worshippers left painted frescoes near the rock-cut tombs. Visitors today can still notice traces of these religious decorations, revealing how the site's purpose shifted over centuries.
The fortress sits about 7 kilometers from Ünye center along the Ünye-Niksar road, with paved access up to the entrance area. Wear sturdy shoes since the terrain is rocky and exploring requires climbing and moving through tight passages.
A 420-step tunnel descends through the fortress, but Roman commander Pompey sealed part of it with large stones after his victory. This blocked passage remains as evidence of the ancient conflicts that took place here.
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