Andoz Castle is a historical fortress located in the Espiye district of Giresun province, in the Black Sea region of Türkiye. It was built on a rocky hill with a commanding view of the sea, approximately 2–3 kilometers west of the Espiye town center. Positioned at an altitude of about 250 meters above sea level, the castle has historically served as an important observation and defense point due to its natural structure and strategic location.
Andoz Castle - (Kültür Portalı)
History
Although the exact construction date of the castle is unknown, it is estimated to date back to around 1300 BC, during the Late Bronze Age. This makes it one of the oldest settlement and defense structures in the region. The castle was placed under protection by the Trabzon Regional Board for the Protection of Cultural and Natural Assets on November 30, 1990, with decision number 908.
Architectural Features
Andoz Castle is situated on a steep, rocky hill with a terraced appearance, next to the Yağlıdere Stream. It was constructed using mortar and stones of various sizes. The overall layout of the structure extends in an east-west direction and is positioned along a narrow ridge that conforms to the topography of the hill.
The entrance is guarded by two semi-circular bastions. At the eastern end of the castle, there is a rectangular, barrel-vaulted structure measuring 4.80 x 3.72 meters. This structure is preserved up to a height of about 3 meters. It features a door on the southeast corner, a window on the west wall, and a 1.75-meter-wide niche on the east side. Based on its design, this structure is thought to have been either a cistern or a tomb.
The castle is surrounded by defensive walls, and remnants of towers can be seen in some sections. Although the structure has suffered damage over time, several parts have been restored in accordance with their original form in recent restoration efforts.
Function and Location
The steep and rugged nature of the castle’s location suggests it was not intended for permanent settlement. However, its high altitude and commanding view of the surroundings indicate that it likely served as an acropolis (upper city) in ancient times—functioning as a defensive and lookout point for nearby settlements. Its close proximity to modern-day Espiye makes it especially noteworthy.
Transportation
Andoz Castle is located approximately 32 km from the Giresun city center and only 2 km from the Espiye district center. It lies within the borders of the Sakarya Neighborhood of Espiye. Access to the castle is possible via a trail that branches off from the main road heading north.
