Maiden's Castle (Kizkalesi) The Maiden's Castle, also referred to as Kızkalesi, is a historic fortress situated on a 15,000 square meter island within Mersin Province. The castle covers most of the island and is thought to have been used as a pirate refuge in ancient times, as noted by the geographer Strabo. The origins of the castle date back to the Byzantine Empire, particularly during the rule of Alexios I Komnenos, who is believed to have contributed to its initial construction after the First Crusade. Additionally, some historical sources attribute its expansion to Leo I and later Armenian kings from the Kingdom of Cilicia. Archaeological digs conducted in 1982 and 1987 revealed remnants of the original Byzantine design, which remain well-preserved in the castle’s southern wing, including its square towers. The castle’s northern and western sections were reconstructed by the Armenians, who used their characteristic rusticated stonework and built a barrel-vaulted chapel within. Inscriptions dated 1206 by King Leo I and 1251 by King Het‛um confirm the Armenian role in the castle’s restoration. Historically, the island hosting Maiden's Castle was linked to the mainland fortress of Corycus Castle via a breakwater. The Armenians referred to this stronghold as Gorygos, but following the Ottoman conquest, the island became popularly known as Kızkalesi. The island is also surrounded by a famous legend. It tells of a king who consulted an oracle that foretold his beloved daughter’s death by snakebite. To protect her, the king built a castle on an island free of snakes. The princess lived there safely for many years until a snake hidden in a basket of grapes sent from the mainland bit her, leading to her death. This tale is widely known in Kızkalesi and exists in various versions across different parts of Turkey. For any questions or further information about Maiden's Castle (Kızkalesi), please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or simply contact us via Whatsapp, and we will reply promptly.