Kızkalesi and the Immediate Surroundings: A Travelogue

Wednesday, 11 December 2013 00:00
Written by Portal Editor

Kızkalesi is a thriving holiday resort situated approximately 30 km east of Silifke. A magnificent sandy beach, together with the two fortresses—Korykos (the Land Castle) and the Maiden's Castle—creates a unique backdrop for a relaxing vacation.

In addition to water sports activities and evening entertainment at various restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, a trip to Kızkalesi—and especially to its surrounding region—offers visitors with an interest in history a wealth of excursion opportunities.

The historic site of Korykos is first mentioned in 197 BC, when Antiochus III conquered Cilicia. In 67 BC, Pompey saved the city from a pirate raid and incorporated it into the Roman Empire. During Late Antiquity, as evidenced by numerous inscriptions and architectural structures (including over ten churches), the city was of great significance. Under Byzantine rule, at the beginning of the 12th century, the fortress of Korykos was significantly expanded and augmented by the addition of a castle situated on a small offshore island.

This island castle was later substantially enlarged by the rulers of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, who utilized stones from the ruins of the ancient city for its construction. In 1482, Korykos was captured by the Ottomans and gradually fell into ruin. The fortress later came to be known as Kızkalesi ("Maiden's Castle"). According to legend, a king once kept his daughter confined here after it had been prophesied that she would die from a snakebite.

The Fortress of Korykos—also known as the "Land Castle"—stands at the tip of what was once a peninsula, overlooking the harbour. It was naturally protected on three sides: by the open sea, by the harbour bay, and by a marshland area. Several church ruins are located within the fortress grounds. The entire fortress complex was likely constructed during the Byzantine era, between 1103 and 1104. The northern side of the inner castle likely dates back to the 13th century.

The Maiden's Castle

Kızkalesi—also known as the Maiden's Castle or the Sea Castle—stands atop a rock approximately 200 meters off the coast. In earlier times, the castle (ancient Crambusa) served as a refuge for pirates until the Romans took control of the region. The castle visible today dates from the Crusader era and formed part of a defensive chain designed to protect the borders of the Byzantine Empire.

Kızkalesi – The Legend of the Maiden's Castle

Long ago, there lived a king who had a very beautiful daughter. Unfortunately, the stars were not in her favour; according to a prophecy, the girl was destined to die from a snakebite. To avert this prophecy, the king ordered a castle to be built in the sea, where his daughter would be safe from snakes. Yet, the princess could not escape her fate. Every day, she received baskets filled with fresh fruit. One day, however, a snake lay hidden inside one of the baskets—and thus, the prophecy was fulfilled.