Amasya Kalesi

Immediately north and high above the town stands Amasya's citadel with upper and lower levels from where there is an excellent view. The remains of defensive walls dating from Roman times can be seen running down the steep rocky slopes on either side. A third stretch of wall along the Yesilirmak to the north completed the Old Town's defences. The citadel ruins can be reached on foot from the east end of the Kizlar Sarayi, the ascent of the steep rock steps taking a little over half an hour. Taxis provide a rather less strenuous alternative with a climb of no more than 20m/66ft to the citadel tower from the parking place. At the time of the Pontic kings a temple dedicated to the Persian god Ahura Mazda (corresponding to Zeus Stratios) stood on the double summit. Later there was an acropolis here, with substantial defense-works including towers and ring walls. Vestiges of these can still be seen in the Turkish citadel. Three stairways tunneled in the rock lead down towards the river, possibly providing access to cisterns intended to safeguard the water supply. Some historians on the other hand believe the tunnels were blind passages leading to Mithraic cult sites. No exits have ever been discovered.