Originally built by Urartians around 1000 BC, this impregnable, extensively preserved fortress rises above the bus stand in the centre of Oltu town. The entrance is from the east side but at the time of research the gate was locked pending repair work.
The castle was of some importance during the Roman and Byzantine periods, and was later occupied by the Seljuks and Genoese colonists before being taken by the Ottomans in the 16th century.
23.87 MILES
Second only to Dörtkilise, Öşkvank is the region's most memorable Georgian church. Large, relatively well preserved and with plenty of very fine relief…
29.89 MILES
The enchanting ruins of this 10th-century Georgian basilica are domeless and decaying but monumentally large, atmospherically mossy and photogenically…
20.69 MILES
Despite a 30m tower-spire, this laboriously restored ancient church is somewhat hidden amongst trees in Upper İşhan (İşhan Köyü), a green oasis village on…
28.17 MILES
Though it's been partially repurposed as a mosque since the 16th century, this late 10th-century church building was once part of a big Georgian monastery…
17 MILES
The shattered apse is all that remains of what was once a 7th-century Armenian cathedral, rebuilt by Georgians in the 9th century and used for royal…
24.3 MILES
Small but unusually complete, the castle ruins of Engüzekkapı are dramatically set atop a cylindrical crag that juts abruptly above the main Artvin…
12.6 MILES
Two modest medieval castles, Kizkalesi and Erkek Kalesi (literally Girl Castle and Boy Castle) are just 500m apart, commanding a fertile valley where two…
19.6 MILES
For a toe-curling frisson as well as a splendid view across Tortum Gölü, venture out onto this glass shelf, which opened in June 2019 and protrudes high…
12.6 MILES
Two modest medieval castles, Kizkalesi and Erkek Kalesi (literally Girl Castle and Boy Castle) are just 500m apart, commanding a fertile valley where two…
17 MILES
The shattered apse is all that remains of what was once a 7th-century Armenian cathedral, rebuilt by Georgians in the 9th century and used for royal…
18.52 MILES
Especially in May when it's at full power, this wide, impressive waterfall is well worth the 600m detour off the D950 for those driving between Yusufeli…
19.6 MILES
For a toe-curling frisson as well as a splendid view across Tortum Gölü, venture out onto this glass shelf, which opened in June 2019 and protrudes high…
20.69 MILES
Despite a 30m tower-spire, this laboriously restored ancient church is somewhat hidden amongst trees in Upper İşhan (İşhan Köyü), a green oasis village on…
23.87 MILES
Second only to Dörtkilise, Öşkvank is the region's most memorable Georgian church. Large, relatively well preserved and with plenty of very fine relief…
24.3 MILES
Small but unusually complete, the castle ruins of Engüzekkapı are dramatically set atop a cylindrical crag that juts abruptly above the main Artvin…
28.17 MILES
Though it's been partially repurposed as a mosque since the 16th century, this late 10th-century church building was once part of a big Georgian monastery…
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