Filyos Castle

Filyos Castle is situated on a high promontory overlooking the Black Sea, at the northern tip of the Filyos township, within the Çaycuma district of Zonguldak Province. The castle was constructed at the point where the Filyos River (known in antiquity as Billaos or Tieion) flows into the sea, serving as a strategic observation and defensive position. Today, the castle is within walking distance of the Filyos township center and attracts attention for its historical and visual significance.

Filyos Castle is a structure originally built and used as part of the ancient settlement of Tieion (or Teion), dating back to the Roman period. The castle was maintained through various repairs during the Byzantine and Genoese periods, occupying a vital location for maritime trade and coastal defense. The surviving remains of this structure, which was used throughout the Middle Ages for coastal security, bear traces of this multi-period usage.

The castle is notable for its massive ashlar stone walls and surviving tower remnants. The materials used in its construction reflect both Roman-era origins and subsequent repair phases. The partial survival of the castle towers indicates not only the structure’s durability but also its history of reuse. In the eastern section of the castle, fragments of columns, inscribed blocks, and funerary elements from the ancient period are present.

^{Filyos Castle} (Culture Portal)

In 2003, Filyos Castle underwent significant restoration as part of projects conducted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. It has also been designated, together with the ancient city of Tios, as a first- and second-degree archaeological site. This status confirms that the castle is not only a physical monument but also a historically documented artifact within its archaeological context. The castle, along with its excavation areas, is part of ongoing scientific research and public cultural programs.

Recent field visits conducted by the Çaycuma Subgovernorship have assessed the conservation status of Filyos Castle. Inspections carried out in the 2020s by Subgovernor Adem Kaya examined the castle’s tourism potential, archaeological excavation processes, and restoration practices. These visits demonstrate that the castle site is being monitored and evaluated both as a historical heritage and in terms of sustainable tourism.

Access to Filyos Castle is easily achieved from the Çaycuma district center by private vehicle or minibus. The castle is approximately a 15–20 minute walk from the Filyos township center. Its location commands views of the sea and river, offering visitors both a historical and a natural experience. There is no entrance fee to the castle, and the site remains open for most of the year.