Şavşat Castle, Castle near Şavşat in Turkey
Şavşat Castle is a medieval fortress perched on steep rock high above the surrounding land, located about 4 kilometers west of the town of Şavşat in Artvin Province. The structure features thick stone walls reaching over 33 feet (10 meters) in places, with towers that reach up to 66 feet (20 meters), arranged in an oval defensive pattern.
The castle was likely built in the 10th century by Georgian builders under the Bagratid dynasty, when the region was an important part of the early Georgian kingdom. It changed hands several times: remaining under Georgian control until Ottoman conquest around 1547, then falling under Russian control in the 19th century before returning to Turkish rule in the 1920s.
The name Şavşat reflects Georgian linguistic roots, connecting the place to centuries of Georgian rule and settlement in the region. Local people view the castle as a symbol of their area's deep history, and the ruins serve as a gathering point for those who value understanding their homeland's past.
The castle sits about 4 kilometers west of Şavşat along a mountain road and is free to reach, with a modern staircase leading up to the fortress. Winter visits should be avoided since snow can block access, but helpful signs on site explain the history and various building remains.
A fascinating detail is the trapezoidal shape of the castle's towers, which differs from the standard round or square towers found in most medieval fortresses. This unusual design was a clever defensive strategy that allowed defenders to shoot at attackers from multiple angles while remaining better protected.
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