Akkale Castle

Akkale Castle, locally just simple known as Akkale, lies near the sea in the village of Kumkuyu, in the province of Mersin in Turkey.

The name Akkale translates back to White (Ak-) Castle (-kale). Its historical name or history is unknown.

I don't think this building ever served as a castle. Even though some sources do call it a fortification. Most other sources however agree that this complex (the main building together with the other structures) dates back to the 4th century and that it was built as a port administration complex by the Roman Empire.

The main building has a rectangular plan and seems to have had rectangular towers at its corners. Its walls, however, are too thin to have provided much protection and the northern tower is actually a stair tower with a large spiral staircase. This building, which is thought to have been 5 stories high originally, may have been used both as an office and the lodging building of the governor. Although one source states that the main building was a basilica. Traditionally, the Turks called it a palace. 

Near the main building are a very large cistern from which water was probably sold to passing ships and a small and square domed building. This domed building was first thought to have been a church, but later a mausoleum.

A part of the buildings were repaired during the Byzantine era, probably after the great earthquakes of the 6th century. The main building may have been fortified at a later moment by the Byzantines.

The Akkale complex is freely accessible. And although this may not have been a castle, it is a fascinating site with lots of architectural details. And I love that spiral staircase.

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