Kars Castle
Kars Kalesi
A fortress on a basalt hill north of the old town, with views over the Kars River valley, its stone bridge, and the whole city.
Kars Castle stands on a basalt plateau beside the Kars River. Its origins go back to the 12th century, it was largely rebuilt under the Ottomans in the 16th century, and it changed hands several times during the Russo-Turkish War of the 19th century. The walls and towers are well preserved, and from the top you can look down on the old town on both sides of the valley, the Church of the Holy Apostles, the Ottoman stone bridge, and the highlands beyond. Entry to the castle is free, and you can walk up the hill. At the foot of the hill, by the river, are an old bathhouse and teahouses. Combined with the Church of the Holy Apostles and the stone bridge, it makes a good half-day walking route.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00 until sunset
Nearby sights
- Taşköprü (Stone Bridge)
- Church of the Holy Apostles (Kümbet Mosque)
- Russian-era Old Town (Baltic Architecture)
- Kars Cheese Museum
- Fethiye Mosque
- Doğu Express (Kars Station)
- Kars Museum
- Caucasus Front War History Museum