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.
Guide's Note
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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