Şile Castle

Şile Castle was built on an area of 100 square meters and the height of the castle is approximately 12 meters. Şile Castle has a four-storey structure. It is stated in the relevant sources that white colored limestones were used during its construction. The first floor of Şile Castle was used as a cellar. It is known that the other floors were designed for the accommodation of military units. It is stated that a military unit of twenty people can comfortably accommodate on these floors.

Şile Castle was built to protect against attacks from the sea. In some historical sources, it is said that the castle was built by the Byzantine Emperor Andronikas. The castle was also used by the Ottoman Empire in historical time. According to the latest research results, it was revealed that Şile Castle was built by the Genoese 2000 years ago. It is known that it was used by the civilizations that occupied Şile. It is also claimed that Şile Castle was built with the aim of being a surveillance castle, not an attack.

The Story of Şile Castle

Şile Castle has been repaired twice throughout its history. First the Byzantines and then the Ottomans had the Şile Castle repaired in order to use it for surveillance purposes. As a result of the treasure rumors, the historical castle was invaded by treasure hunters. The invasion caused deep destruction in the castle. The restoration works of Şile Castle were carried out by Şile Municipality and Kocaeli University Faculty of Architecture and Design in 2015.

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Features of Şile Castle

There are four castles in Şile. But the most well-known ones are Şile Castle, which is located on Ocaklı Island in the harbor inherited from the Byzantines. Şile Castle is one of the symbols that define Şile with its silhouette that distinguishes itself from other castles. Built using limestones from the island surface, this castle is 12 meters high. It was built to resist attacks from the sea.

Contrary to first thought, the castle was built not as an attack but as a watchtower. When the 4-storey structure is examined, it is understood that there is a cellar at the bottom and the other floors are suitable for accommodating a group of approximately 20 soldiers. The castle has been repaired twice over the ages. First the Byzantines and then the Ottomans restored the castle in order to use it for surveillance purposes. However, due to the treasure rumors, the castle was invaded by treasure hunters and in the meantime was quite destroyed.

Where is Şile Castle?

Şile Castle, built by the Genoese, is located on Ocaklı Island in Şile, one of the coastal districts of Istanbul, away from the noise of the city. You can see the location of Şile Castle on the map by clicking the link.

What to Do in Şile Castle?

Şile, where Şile Castle is located, is a town that has a coast to the sea due to its location. For this reason, Şile, one of the most visited places by holidaymakers, is a place famous for its beaches. There are many places to visit and see in Şile. At the same time, there are many beautiful coves in Şile where campers can camp. If you go to Şile Castle, you can also visit the following places:

Sile Lighthouse

Şile Lighthouse, one of the symbolic places of Şile, is a place built during the Ottoman period. Şile lighthouse is located very close to the Black Sea and the Bosphorus. Sile lighthouse, which is among the most used lanterns in the world, is one of the symbolic places of this district, so you should definitely visit it. Especially in the evenings, the Bosphorus can be seen from here, with the light it emits. Şile lighthouse serves as a museum today. There are many antique artifacts.

Historical Wooden Houses

They are wooden houses that reflect the culture of Şile. Its historical wooden houses are located in Akçakese village. It is located close to the 19th century. These houses are still visible today. You can see the Black Sea culture closely in these houses. After coming to their historical wooden house, you can take lots of photos. These wooden houses have a history of 150 years. It is one of the places that tourists visit heavily.

Kavala Park

It is one of the parks in Şile. Kavala Park is known as one of the symbolic places for those who want to get away from the district and breathe in a quieter place. There are many cafes and restaurants in Kavala park. At the same time, there are many viewing terraces. You can take a walk on the hiking trails and have a nice sightseeing experience in Kavala park. Kavala Park is located in the Belibey neighborhood and is open 24 hours a day.

Akçakese Beach

It is a place that should be preferred by those who want to both camp and swim. Akçakese beach has been heavily visited by visitors. You do not have to pay any fee to enter Akçakese beach. You can camp and have a great time. You can also meet your bathroom and toilet needs for camping thanks to the businesses located here. Akçakese beach is one of the most visited and seen beaches of Şile and this is a public beach.

How to Go to Şile Castle?

You can enter Şile by private vehicle and public transportation. First of all, visitors coming from outside of Istanbul have to cross the Bay and can reach Şile by using the North Marmara highway from the Anatolian side of Istanbul via the highway.

For visitors coming from the European side of Istanbul, you can connect directly to Şile by using the Northern Marmara highway from the third bridge road and you can reach Şile directly in that way. Visitors coming from the European side can use the third bridge or the second bridge to use the Northern Marmara highway.

You can also reach Şile by public transport. You can reach it via public transportation vehicles and buses. You can reach Şile directly by the buses located in the districts located on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, especially in Sancaktepe and Sultanbeyli. You can also use transit routes for this.