Meydancık Castle, Ancient castle ruins in Gülnar, Turkey
Meydancik Castle is a hilltop fortress near Gülnar whose remains spread across a broad expanse. The site displays defensive structures, building foundations, and a central plaza, all positioned to show how people organized the settlement in ancient times.
The site began as a settlement around 2600 years ago and became an important regional center for centuries. It passed through different hands and eventually was abandoned, creating layers of different peoples and time periods.
The name Meydancık comes from a word meaning open square, and you can still see traces of this gathering space today. Multiple peoples shaped this place over centuries, leaving their marks through the buildings and objects they left behind.
A visit means walking over uneven terrain with rough ground and no marked trails, so sturdy shoes are essential. Bring water and sun protection since the hilltop offers little shade throughout the day.
A deep hole at the southern edge of the ruins intrigues visitors with its mysterious origins and purpose. Archaeologists have puzzled over what this shaft was used for without reaching a definitive answer.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
