Kov Castle in Gümüşhane challenges history with its grandeur

Located within the borders of Esenyurt village, connected to the center of Gümüşhane, Kov Castle, approximately 700 years old and known as one of the most magnificent castles in the Eastern Black Sea region, attracts attention with its historical structure and strategic location, starting to proudly display all its grandeur generously with the arrival of spring. The castle, which is 25 kilometers away from the city center and can be reached 6.5 kilometers from the Gümüşhane-Kelkit highway, was built in 1361 by III. Alexios to resist the raids coming from the Bayburt region. Due to its height, the castle is located at an altitude of 1760 meters from the sea level, with no access from the east, north, and south directions. The castle, built on a rock mass with a height of 130 meters, was restored in 2007 and social facilities have been built around it in recent years. Despite standing tall for about 700 years with all its magnificence, Kov Castle offers a visual feast to its visitors with its unique view during the spring season. Kov Castle, where the Gümüşhane mountains can be seen from the eastern side, is known as one of the most magnificent castles still standing in the Eastern Black Sea Region. Known to have been used in the Seljuk period, Kov Castle underwent repairs in 2007. Standing tall with all its magnificence for hundreds of years and offering visitors the opportunity to be intertwined with both history and nature in the spring season, Kov Castle enchant visitors with its lush surroundings, colorful blooming flowers, and scenery. Having hosted various civilizations throughout history, Kov Castle offers visitors the opportunity to explore the historical structure and see the natural beauties around it. Visitors can enjoy watching the magnificent view of the Gümüşhane mountains from the castle walls and immerse themselves in nature. Photographer Metin Aydın, who came to Kov Castle with two friends to spend a day intertwined with nature and witness history, said, ‘Today we are at Kov Castle located in Esenyurt village connected to the center. This is a castle that is about 700 years old. A very beautiful castle at an altitude of 1700 meters. One of the most magnificent castles of the Black Sea. We came here to take pictures with our two friends. It has a very beautiful view. We took the opportunity of the good weather to come and take photos. Due to its location, we can see many peaks because this castle is located very high. We can see Zigana, the side of Çakırgöl, Canca Castle, and Keşiş Dağı. Nature is very beautiful here at the moment. The flowers have bloomed, there are very beautiful views. There are green, blue, yellow, red colors here. It is built on a 130-meter rock mass. Therefore, it is a very magnificent castle. It is also very close to the center. Also, it is on the Gümüşhane-Kelkit Highway. It can be easily accessed.’