Eskisehir, Turkey

Seyircek Castle

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Ticket Paid entrance
Hours No precise opening hours available.
Duration 30–60 minutes
Getting there Accessible by car from Eskişehir towards…
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Seyircek Castle is a partially ruined castle remnant in the Phrygian Valley region of Eskişehir, distinguished by Roman and Byzantine period tombs carved into the bedrock; it is an important stop on the Phrygian Valley route near Yazılıkaya.

Seyircek Castle was shaped by carving a large tuff rock. The rock contains numerous sarcophagus-type tombs from the Roman and Byzantine periods. Tuff material is prone to erosion; a large part of the castle has disintegrated and collapsed over time. The sections of the rock that can be entered are still standing.

The stairs leading to the upper floors are broken, and currently, only the lowest floor can be visited. Directly opposite the rock is Deveboynu Castle, which is in an even more dilapidated state. Visitors also note that there are collapses in places along the walking path. It is possible to drive close to the castle; the last part is a dirt road.

Its location 5 km from Yazılıkaya makes this spot a natural part of Phrygian Valley tours. If you are coming to the region for the Midas Monument, it does not require a separate detour.

Related discoveries: Places to visit in Eskişehir, Historical Sites, Historical sites in Eskişehir, Nasreddin Hodja's House.

Experience Summary

Guide's Note

Seyircek Castle
A castle ruin on one of the highest hills of Phrygian Valley, featuring rock-cut tombs from the Roman and Byzantine periods carved into the bedrock. Located 5 km from Yazılıkaya and the Midas Monument; a stop often overlooked on the Phrygian Valley route but worth visiting.
Sıdkı Alper NeresiGezilir Editor

When to Visit?

April–May and September–October are the most suitable periods. The tuff rock gets extremely hot in mid-summer; walking under the sun in the afternoon is truly tiring. Going in the morning is better for both temperature and light. In winter, the dirt road can become muddy; access might be difficult without a high-traction vehicle.

How to Get There?

Reaching by public transport is practically impossible. When driving from Eskişehir city center towards the Phrygian Valley, the castle is on the route approximately 5 km before Yazılıkaya. The last section is dirt; low-clearance vehicles may struggle. The car can be parked very close to the castle, and a short walk leads to the rock.

How Much Time Should Be Allocated?

Seyircek Castle alone is not a half-day destination. Since the upper floors are closed, the accessible area is limited; 30–60 minutes is sufficient. The most logical use is to include it in a full-day Phrygian Valley itinerary along with Yazılıkaya and the Midas Monument. Deveboynu Castle is directly opposite; those who want to see it can allocate a little more time.

Suggested Itinerary

For those who want to visit the Phrygian Valley in one day, this order works: Yazılıkaya and the Midas Monument, then Seyircek Castle, and on the way back, the rock churches of Ayazini. Since Seyircek is 5 km from Yazılıkaya, stopping on the route is logical; it does not require allocating a separate day. Also, check out Deveboynu Castle opposite; it's in ruins but interesting for comparison.

Photo Spots

To see the entire tuff rock, you need to step back a few paces; the scale can be lost when shooting too close. The carved details of the rock tombs are more prominent in the morning light. Deveboynu Castle is a good reference point for framing from the opposite angle. Since it's not possible to go up to the upper floors, there is no dominant view of the valley; the best shot is from in front of the rock.

Things to Pay Attention To

The stairs leading to the upper floors are broken; trying to force your way up is dangerous. There are collapses in places along the walking path, so be careful where you step. The tuff rock continues to erode; some parts of the structure may appear unstable. A litter problem has also been observed in the area. Bring water with you; there are no facilities nearby.

General Information

Seyircek Castle is rated 4.7 with 53 reviews on Google. It is not as crowded as the well-known spots in the Phrygian Valley; it offers a peaceful visit. No clear information on entrance fees and official opening hours could be found; it is advisable to confirm with the Eskişehir Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism before visiting.

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FAQ

It is a castle ruin formed by carving a high tuff rock in the Phrygian Valley region of Eskişehir province. It contains rock tombs from the Roman and Byzantine periods. It is located approximately 5 km from Yazılıkaya.

The last section is a dirt road; visitors report difficulties with low-clearance vehicles. If possible, prefer a high-traction vehicle, especially in rainy weather.

You can enter the rock, but the stairs leading to the upper floors are broken. Currently, only the lowest floor is accessible.

It is located directly opposite Seyircek. It is in a more dilapidated state but interesting for comparison. It doesn't require extra time to see it while you're already there.

It is most logical to fit it into the same day as Yazılıkaya and the Midas Monument. Since Seyircek is 5 km from Yazılıkaya, it's easy to stop on the route; it doesn't require planning a separate day.

Due to the dirt road, collapses, and broken stairs, caution is required with small children. There are no facilities, toilets, or shaded areas nearby; prepare accordingly.

No precise information on entrance fees could be found. Confirm with an official source before visiting.

No precise opening hours available. Confirm with an official source before visiting.

Accessible by car from Eskişehir towards the Phrygian Valley. Approximately 5 km from Yazılıkaya. The last section is a dirt road; low-clearance vehicles should proceed with caution. No public transport connection.

30–60 minutes

Spring and autumn months; the tuff rock gets very hot in mid-summer. Mornings are more comfortable in terms of light and temperature.
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