GOAT CASTLE

Keçi Kalesi or Goat Castle, is situated on Alamandağ Hill, in ancient times known as Gallesion. This hill stands in the vicinity of the town Belevi near Selçuk and is clearly visible from the İzmir-Aydın highway. The name of Goat Castle is explained by legends; the ruler living in a fortress went for a few days, along with most of his troops. During his absence, the enemy troops approached the castle and were waiting for dusk to launch the assault. To confuse the enemy, the defenders fastened candles to the heads of goats that were found inside the fortress. In conjunction with goat horns that looked like helmets, they managed to achieve the effect of thousands of soldiers waiting on the walls to repel the attack. Because of this mystification, the enemy troops retreated without a fight and the castle was saved. Available information on the history of the castle is quite sparse and often contradictory. The suggested dates for the castle's construction vary from the 3rd century BC to the 14th century AD. Its erection is attributed to the Hellenistic rulers, the Byzantine Empire, and the Seljuk Turks. Most likely the castle was built in the 3rd century BC and then rebuilt and renovated several times. The castle could serve as a point of defence for the nearby city of Ephesus, as it was located near the road leading to this famous city.a

390 m incline from the bottom. The red tracking signs lead you up to the castle. A very nice, peaceful place, with beautiful views, but be careful, I saw a snake on arrival.

Wonderful place to hike. Gained 400 meters in elevation and the trail is not for the faint of heart. It was an amazing time. Bring lots of water and snacks.

10/10

When you go with navigation, you wrongly determine the exit to the castle. You park the vehicle under the mulberry tree at the exit point of the castle, Selçuk milk and agricultural products main entrance. There is a 2 km signboard of the Keci Castle there. From there, the journey begins in the west direction on foot. After approximately 600 meters, the road turns to the left. Do not be in a hurry, do not turn to the first path that comes before you. We turned and had to climb a steep hill from the wrong road. It delayed us for an estimated 20 minutes. We set off on the right path, albeit randomly. On the path, you have to follow the arrows on the stones with red spray paint. We were able to reach the castle in an hour and a half. I regret drinking water on the way. It is more tiring and breathtaking. Of course this varies from person to person. It was sunny on 03.03.2021. However, when we reached the castle, there was a cold wind. Hot tea in the thermos went very well. A nice place. But it is very neglected and destroyed. There is no informative signboard about the historical background of the castle. The culture and tourism ministry needs to examine it as soon as possible. The descent from the castle is comfortable. If you go like May, you will collect lots of thyme. There were no birds and tulips were given to us in March. I recommend you go.