Sivas Castle is a castle ruin rising on the Topraktepe mound in the city center; its walls are from the repairs made by Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat before the Battle of Kösedağ in 1243, and admission is free.
Sivas Castle is located on the Topraktepe mound, on which the city was built. Excavations carried out by Prof. Dr. Tahsin Özgüç in 1946 revealed that this area had been inhabited since the beginning of the 2nd millennium BC. In other words, the hill you see stands on a much older settlement layer than the Seljuk period.
The current walls are mainly from the repairs made by Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat. This repair, carried out before the Battle of Kösedağ in 1243, where the Seljuk and Mongol armies clashed, is described in the castle's inscription. The inscription is exhibited today in the Sivas Archaeology Museum. The outer walls surrounding the city had five or seven gates over time. The change in the number of these gates, referred to by names such as Kayseri Gate, Tokmak Gate, Baghdad Gate, and Tokat Gate, resulted from some gates being closed and new ones opened during each repair.
The castle, actively used during the Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods, stands at a dominant point overlooking the city from its position on the mound, even though most of its walls have been destroyed today. It is possible to approach the castle by car close to the walls. This makes it less tiring compared to other castle visits.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Sivas historical places, Şuğul Canyon.
Guide's Note
When to Visit Sivas Castle?
Since the castle is in an open area and at an elevation, Sivas's harsh winter climate is felt even more here. Frost and snow are common between December and March, which can make walking unpleasant. April-May and September-October are more suitable in terms of both weather and scenery. In summer, shade is scarce during midday; it's more comfortable to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
How to Get to Sivas Castle?
The castle is located in the Kaleardı district in Sivas city center. It can be reached within 10-15 minutes by taxi from Sivas Bus Terminal or train station. City minibus lines also go to points close to the center. If you are going by your own car, you can park close to the walls. This makes the castle less tiring compared to many other castle visits.
Connection to the City Center
The castle is within walking distance of Sivas's historical city square and structures from the Seljuk period. Buruciye Madrasah, Çifte Minareli Madrasah, and Kale Mosque are in the same area. You can easily add the castle to a one-day city tour.
How Long Does the Visit Take?
The castle area is not a large complex; visiting the remaining parts of the walls and the mound takes 30-45 minutes. It can be included in a half-day city center tour along with other Seljuk artifacts in Sivas.
Suggested Route
It makes sense to start the day by seeing the castle's inscription at the Sivas Archaeology Museum, as the inscription tells the story of the walls. Then, proceed to Kaleardı to visit the castle, and afterwards, continue on foot to Buruciye Madrasah and Çifte Minareli Madrasah. The historical city square is the natural endpoint of this route.
Things to Pay Attention To
Most of the castle has been destroyed over time; today you see ruins, not a complete wall line. The ground on the mound can be uneven in some places, so it's more comfortable to wear sturdy shoes. Signage or guided services in the area are limited. Reading a brief information beforehand enriches the experience.
Good Spots for Photos
The view from the highest point of the mound looking towards the city center offers good shots, especially near sunset. Photos taken from the front of the wall ruins also convey the layered history of the castle.
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