Niksar Castle

Climbing the steep slope during midday in summer can be tiring, so spring or autumn might be preferred. Those who go near sunset find the way the light hits the walls and the panoramic view of Niksar below more impressive. One visitor wrote that they had the opportunity to see it in the evening and still liked it very much. Due to excavation or restoration work, entry to some inner sections may be restricted at certain times, so it's useful to inquire about the situation before going.

Access is provided by vehicles going from Tokat city center to Niksar; district buses depart from Çekenli Business Center. Those coming from outside the city can reach Niksar via the Northern Marmara Motorway. After arriving at Niksar city center, a car or minibus can be used to go up to the castle; large vehicles cannot go up as the road is steep and narrow. Some have tried walking up, but the length and gradient of the road should be considered. It is also stated that location information sometimes misdirects, leading visitors to climb steep slopes on foot.

About an hour and a half is sufficient, including walking around the walls inside the castle, looking at the remains of the madrasah and small mosque, and taking a break at the cafe. Those who set aside time for photography might stay a bit longer. If combined with other stops in Niksar such as Yağıbasan Madrasah and Ulu Mosque, a half-day trip plan can be made.

Some parts of the walls do not have a protective barrier, leaving a drop of up to five meters in some places. Those with children need to be careful about this, as children can easily climb onto the walls. The maintenance status varies from visit to visit: some days it is found clean and tidy, while some visitors complain about trash and neglect. There are also comments reporting deficiencies regarding toilets and directional signs. It is recommended to bring a hat and water, as the climb can be tiring.

From the highest point of the walls, all of Niksar can be seen, and this angle is the most shared shot by visitors. There is a photograph of Atatürk inside the castle, which those who don't look carefully might miss, but those who see it find it interesting. Those who want to take long shots can capture the grandeur of the walls from the foothills before climbing the castle.

You can drink tea and coffee at the small cafe inside the castle and relieve the fatigue of the climb. Taking Ayvaz water when leaving Niksar is a local recommendation; visitors state that the water tastes soft. For those on a long journey, take a small bottle of water with you to drink along the way.

The castle's origin dates back to the Pontus Kingdom under Persian influence, and its name at that time was Kaberia. According to some sources, the settlement history goes back to the 4th century BC, but most of the remains we see today are from the Roman and Byzantine periods. The castle is referred to as the second largest castle in Anatolia and has a three-layered defense system, including inner, middle, and outer walls. Inside, the remains of baths, small mosques, madrasahs, churches, and prisons are found together, indicating that the castle was not only military but also part of daily life.