Destination
Kars Kalesi
It is referred to as Merkez Kale, İç Kale or stadel. Although some sources say it was built by the Saltuklular in the 12th century, it goes back to the 10th century. While it was being repaired by Lala Mustafa Paşa in 1579, a four-cornered marble inscription was found and placed on the gate of the outer walls. According to this inscription, it was commissioned in 1152 by the Vizier Firuz Akay on the order of Sultan Melik İzzetin. Timur also razed the castle to the ground in 1386, and again in 1579 III.
Kars Kalesi and 6 places around it
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Highlights
- History
Good for
- Cultural routes
Suggested visit:45 minutes
Last updated: 19 October 2026
Location and surroundings
Kars Kalesi sits within Kars merkez, Kars. The toroti catalogue holds 52 described stops across Kars, 38 of them in Kars merkez.
The nearest stop is İlbeyoğlu Hamamı/ Muradiye Hamamı/ Balkonlu Hamam, 210 m to the southwest. Another 6 catalogued points lie within a 30 km radius.
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Frequently asked
- What is Kars Kalesi?
- It is referred to as Merkez Kale, İç Kale or stadel. Although some sources say it was built by the Saltuklular in the 12th century, it goes back to the 10th century. While it was being repaired by Lala Mustafa Paşa in 1579, a four-cornered marble inscription was found and placed on the gate of the outer walls. According to this inscription, it was commissioned in 1152 by the Vizier Firuz Akay on the order of Sultan Melik İzzetin. Timur also razed the castle to the ground in 1386, and again in 1579 III.
- Where is Kars Kalesi?
- Kars Kalesi is in Kars merkez, Kars.
- How long does it take to visit Kars Kalesi?
- The suggested visit time for Kars Kalesi is about 45 minutes.
- What else is there to see near Kars Kalesi?
- toroti’s catalogue holds other destinations within 30 km of Kars Kalesi; the closest are İlbeyoğlu Hamamı/ Muradiye Hamamı/ Balkonlu Hamam, Ebu'l Hasan Harakani Türbesi, Beylerbeyi Sarayı.