Kaleboynu Castle

Kaleboynu Castle, locally known as Kaleboynu Kalesi, lies north of the village of the same name, in the province of Kahramanmaraş in Turkey.

The castle is located in a region called Cilicia, which was part of an Armenian kingdom from the late 11th century until the late 14th century. As with most of the fortifications in this area, neither its medieval name nor its history is known.

One source suggests it is probably a Byzantine construction from the 4th century, later modified by the Armenians. Another source claims it was first built by the Armenians. Its small size and simple enclosure indicate it was likely a military outpost intended for surveillance rather than a site for prolonged defense. Its position allowed control over a minor but strategic route between the castles of Azgit and Geben.

The castle sits atop a low summit on the southern edge of a mountain, crowning a rocky spur between 2 valleys. It overlooks gently sloping pastures and a natural corridor leading north toward Göksun. Today, its ruins consist of a curtain wall that follows the natural shape of the rock. At both ends, there are remnants of what may have been round towers, one of which still preserves some corbels. A long vaulted room runs along the inside of the wall.

Kaleboynu Castle is freely accessible. There is no clear path to the ruin, so you will have to make your own way up the rocky, forested hill, starting from an unpaved track leading out of the village.

Gallery