Keçikale Castle

Keçikale Castle, locally known as Keçikale Kalesi, lies on a rocky hill north of the city of Kırklareli, in the province of Kırklareli in Turkey.

Historical sources do not mention Keçikale Castle. It is suspected to have been first built by the Byzantine Empire, sometime during the 7th or 8th century and was probably meant to patrol a road from Thrace to the north, into Bulgaria.

According to a survey of the building techniques used in the castle, it was probably abandoned for an extended period of time before it was rebuilt by the Byzantines, sometime between the late 11th or mid-12th century. It was probably abandoned after the area was conquered by the Ottomans around 1361.

The castle got its present name from the local population due to its difficult accessibility, situated upon a rocky hill; the name 'Keçikale' translates back to 'Goat's Castle'.

The castle walls were mainly built directly upon the bedrock, preventing any mining. Its layout mainly followed the contours of the rocks, which it also used for its defense. The main remains of the castle are the south and west curtain wall, with remains of 2 towers and 2 gates. The gate in the southern wall would have served as the main gate.

At present Keçikale Castle is freely accessible. However, it will take a drive of some 30 minutes over a rocky dirt road to get to the foot of the castle hill. Sadly enough, I could not find a safe path up the hill to enter the castle. A very nicely situated castle ruin.

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