Yoros Castle

Yoros Castle, located on a hilly location in Anadolu Kavağı district, towards the Black Sea exit of the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus, is one of the most popular places to visit in Istanbul at the weekend, and to have breakfast and lunch accompanied by the magnificent Bosphorus view. The Castle, together with Imros Castle, was established to control the entrance of the Bosphorus. The name of this castle, also known as Anadolukavağı Castle or Genoese Castle, comes from Hieron, which means “holy place”. It can also be considered that the name “Yoros” came directly from “oros” meaning “mountain”, perhaps this view is more correct.

It is believed that Yoros Castle is a Genoese structure. However, it is not. The Greek inscription in brick letters seen in one of its towers indicates that it was a Byzantine construction. At the beginning of the 14th century, in 1305, the castle, together with the Şile Castle, was captured by the Turks, but it could not be held for a long time. Starting from 1348, the Genoese, who had the dominance of the Black Sea trade route, dominated here. But at the end of the 14th century, it was reconquered by the Ottomans, who completely dominated the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus.

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Features of Yoros Castle

Some of the stones of the Yoros Castle consist of materials collected from ancient and early Byzantine structures. There are also processed architectural pieces among the stones. The main entrance of the castle was built in the east direction, on the top of the hill about 120 meters high, at the most dominant point. Although the structure was conquered by the Ottomans, who completely dominated the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus, at the end of the 14th century, it changed hands frequently in history. In the forested area near the castle, there is also a martyrdom monument, which includes the graves of those who were martyred during the seizure of this place.

Yoros Castle, which came under Turkish rule since the conquest of Istanbul, was built by the Ottoman Empire II. It was restored by Bayezid. With this repair, a place of worship called Yoros Castle Masjid was built. Mehmed Ağa, who later served as the head of the castle, also had a bath built. The Castle was included in the UNESCO Heritage Tentative List on April 15, 2013.

Where is Yoros Castle ?

Yoros Castle is located within the borders of Beykoz district of Istanbul on the Anatolian side. Especially the castle located on the eastern side of the Black Sea entrance of the Bosphorus, is also known as the Genoese Castle or Anadolu Kavağı Castle. You can reach the region by using different transportation routes and visit this special castle. You can reach the location of Yoros Castle on the map by clicking the link.

What to Do in Yoros Castle?

After visiting Yoros Castle, you can also tour Anadolu Kavağı. Anadolu Kavağı will welcome you as a small seaside and fishing town in the Beykoz district of Istanbul. If you want to spend a day away from the noise and turmoil of the city, you can choose this area, which is not far from the center of Istanbul.

Anadolu Kavağı, which attracts many tourists especially on weekends and reaches a very crowded population with the warming of the weather, offers a peaceful and serene landscape with its fishing boats on the coast, lush hills and houses with Bosphorus view. You can visit Anadolu Kavağı and Yoros Castle at the first opportunity to spend a day in the sea, woods, clean air and history.

In addition, Yoros Kale Cafe and Restaurant, located right next to the Castle, with a magnificent Bosphorus view, is ideal especially for those who want to get away from the noise of the city at the weekend in Istanbul and enjoy a rest, eating and drinking in a calm and peaceful natural environment. a venue. The restaurant offers breakfast, daily fresh fish and meat menus.

How to Go to Yoros Castle?

To reach Yoros Castle, you first need to come to Anadolu Kavağı.

Transportation by Sea

Yoros Castle is approximately 850 meters from Anadolu Kavağı ferry port.

City line ferries running to Anadolu Kavağı;

Anadolu Kavağı – Üsküdar Line (Anadolu Kavağı – Beykoz – Çubuklu – Kanlıca – Anadolu Hisarı – Çengelköy – Beylerbeyi – Üsküdar)
Bosphorus Line

Transportation by Road

The most practical way to reach Yoros Castle by road is to first come to Üsküdar and then take the IETT Municipal Buses or minibuses that run to Beykoz. You can use the 15A municipal buses from Üsküdar to Anadolu Kavağı. The distance between Üsküdar and the Castle is approximately 35 kilometers.

Transportation by Private Vehicle

If you are coming with your private vehicle, you can reach Anadolu Kavağı in approximately 15 minutes by following the new road after entering the Beykoz-Kavacık turn from TEM, or by exiting the Üsküdar turn and passing Beylerbeyi, Kanlıca and Beykoz on the coastal road. There is a beautiful road leading from Anadolu Kavağı to Yoros Castle and free parking.