Kov Castle

Kov Castle, locally known as Kov Kalesi, lies west of the hamlet of Esenyurt, in the province of Gümüşhane in Turkey. In literature, it is also known as Koğ Castle.

Kov Castle is one of the very few fortifications in the Black Sea region for which a founding date is known. It was built in 1360 by Alexios III Megas Komnenos, Emperor of Trebizond, as a military outpost to guard a road against Turkic raids from Bayburt. The castle was known to the Trapezuntines as "Koukos". The Kabazitai family, who were Dukes of Chaldia, were the caretakers of the castle. Later it was also used by the Seljuks.

The castle is situated on an a rocky outcrop, towering some 130 meters above the surrounding area, at an altitude of some 1760 meters. It has an irregular ground plan as its walls follow the shape of the rocks. It was restored in 2008.

Kov Castle can freely be visited. You can almost drive up to the castle, a short easy path leads up to the gate. A very nice castle, also very much off the beaten path. I really recommend a visit.

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