Andoz Castle

Andoz Castle, locally known as Andoz Kalesi, lies west of the town of Espiye, in the province of Giresun in Turkey.

Not much is known about the history of Andoz Castle. Some Turkish sources state that it dates back to the 13th century and served to control the Yağlıdere valley and the coast. And that during the Ottoman era it was used as an observation post, until it was abandoned in the 16th century.

The British historian A. Bryer stated that Andoz might be identified as a medieval castle with the name Holy Anthony Castle. The American historian R.W. Edwards stated that it was a late Byzantine garrison fortress that guarded a road from Şebinkarahisar to the coast.

The castle was built on a narrow and very steep rock, orientated from north to south. It dominates a long section of the Yağlıdere river running east of it, and the river mouth to the north. The castle's only entrance is at its north end, flanked by two towers. It is divided, by a curtain wall in its center, in a northern and southern section. In the northern section is a well and an unidentified vaulted structure.

The castle walls were reconstructed in recent decades so that it is difficult to see what is original and what is modern.

Andoz Castle is freely accessible. I liked the castle but mostly because of its location. Its interior is very overgrown and there isn't much to see.

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