Kastamonu Castle, Medieval fortress in Kastamonu, Turkey.
Kastamonu Castle is a medieval fortress perched on a rocky hilltop at roughly 860 meters elevation, equipped with 15 defensive bastions. The defensive walls stretch about 155 meters from north to south, encompassing both an inner stronghold and outer fortification areas.
A Byzantine commander named Manuel Erotikos Komnenos founded the fortress in the 10th century and named it Kastra Komnenon. The name gradually transformed into Kastamonu as the region passed through the hands of different rulers.
Walking through the fortress, you can see how different rulers left their mark on the walls and structures over time. The layered construction tells the story of the people who controlled this place across the centuries.
The path to the castle winds upward from the base, and the climb requires some effort due to the elevation. Sturdy footwear is important, and you should watch your footing on the uneven ground throughout the site.
A hidden passageway connects the inner fortification to the outer castle area, revealing the advanced military planning of the builders. This secret route gave defenders a tactical advantage for escape or reinforcing different sections.
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