Zerzevan Castle
Zerzevan Kalesi
A military fortress on the eastern frontier of the Roman Empire. Its well-preserved underground Mithraeum carved into the rock is the site's greatest highlight, and the castle is on the World Heritage tentative list.
The fortress stands on a rocky hill between Diyarbakır and Mardin. It was built around the 3rd century, abandoned in the Byzantine period of the 6th century, and remained buried for a long time. Excavations since 2014 have uncovered its walls, towers, a church, administrative buildings, dwellings, cisterns, and tombs. The most striking feature is the Mithraeum carved into the rock, considered one of the best-preserved examples of its kind at the easternmost edge of the Roman Empire. The site has a visitor center and walking trails, and tickets can be used with the Museum Pass. It is about 45 km from Diyarbakır, beside the road to Mardin, and reachable only by private car or hired vehicle, so it can be visited on the way to Mardin.
Opening hours
About 08:00–17:30 (extended in summer)
Nearby sights
- Dicle (Ten-Eyed) Bridge
- Hevsel Gardens
- Gazi Pavilion
- Keçi Burcu (Goat Tower)
- Deliller Han
- Fatih Pasha (Kurşunlu) Mosque
- Surp Giragos Armenian Church
- Mar Petyun Chaldean Church