Silifke Castle, Medieval fortress in Silifke, Turkey.
Silifke Castle is a medieval fortress on a hilltop overlooking the Göksu valley in southern Turkey, with surviving stone walls and underground vaulted chambers that reveal its original construction. The site shows layers of building styles from different periods of occupation.
The fortress was built in the 12th century as a defensive outpost against attacks from multiple directions. Control of this site passed between different powers over the following centuries, each leaving marks on its structure.
The fortress displays military design choices made to defend the southern coast from invaders. Walking through it today, you can sense how its position shaped the daily lives of those who guarded it.
The climb up to the fortress is steep and requires sturdy footwear, with paths that are dry and exposed to full sun in summer. Visiting early in the morning or during cooler months makes the experience more comfortable.
Below the visible ruins lie underground tunnels and chambers carved into the rock that served as shelters and storage spaces. These hidden areas reveal how inhabitants used the natural geology to their advantage for survival.
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