Yoros Castle

Located on Istanbul’s Anatolian side, where the Bosphorus opens into the Black Sea, Yoros Castle is a structure of significant historical and strategic importance. Also known as "Toros Castle," it was used throughout its history, from Byzantine to Ottoman times, to control the region’s trade routes. Today, with nearby facilities like Toros Cafe & Restaurant, it offers visitors a chance to relax while enjoying views of the Bosphorus. Yoros Castle is a prominent tourist attraction due to its architecture and the historical charm of Anadolu Kavağı.

Is Yoros Castle Admission Free?

Admission to Yoros Castle is free. However, visitors have restricted access to certain parts of the castle due to ongoing restoration work, which limits entry to specific sections. Since it’s free to enter, there’s no need for passes like the Museum Card.

Yoros Cafe & Restaurant

For visitors to Yoros Castle, Yoros Cafe & Restaurant, located nearby, offers a delightful dining experience with views of nature and the Bosphorus. The restaurant’s menu includes a wide range of dishes:

• 🍳 Breakfast: Traditional Turkish breakfast, 550 TL per person; extra mixed vegetable platter, 150 TL.
• 🥗 Salads: Variety of fresh salads (price range: 80-150 TL).
• 🍰 Desserts: Traditional desserts and daily cakes (price range: 60-100 TL).
• 🍇 Fruits: Seasonal fruit platters (price range: 50-100 TL).
• 🍲 Soups: Freshly prepared daily soups (price range: 60-90 TL).
• 🍤 Hot Starters: Seafood and fried appetizers (price range: 100-200 TL).
• 🧆 Cold Mezes: Assortment of cold appetizers (price range: 80-150 TL).
• 🍖 Meats: Grilled options, doner, and other meat dishes (price range: 200-400 TL).
• 🐟 Fish: Fresh seafood options (price range: 200-450 TL).
• 🍟 Snacks: Light snack options (price range: 50-120 TL).
• ☕ Hot Drinks: Tea, coffee, and herbal teas (price range: 30-60 TL).
• 🥤 Cold Drinks: Soft drinks and cold beverages (price range: 40-80 TL).

Yoros Cafe & Restaurant is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The History of Yoros Castle

Yoros Castle was constructed to control the entrance of the Bosphorus into the Black Sea. Built during the Byzantine period, it served as a strategic defense point along with the Imros Castle on the opposite shore in Rumeli Kavağı. Over the centuries, Yoros Castle came under the control of several civilizations, including the Byzantines, Genoese, and Ottomans. During the Ottoman period, it was restored by Sultan Bayezid II.

The exact construction date of Yoros Castle is unknown, but research on Byzantine remains indicates it has a history of around 800-1000 years, making it one of Istanbul’s oldest fortresses.

Purpose of Yoros Castle

The castle’s purpose was to control the Bosphorus entrance, ensuring both Istanbul's protection and dominance over Black Sea trade routes. Its strategic location increased its importance during the Byzantine and Genoese periods, and after the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul, the castle continued to serve as a safeguard for Bosphorus security.

Interesting Facts About Yoros Castle

• 🏰 The origin of the castle’s name is uncertain, though it may derive from "Hieron," meaning "sacred place."
• 🌬 It is believed the name also comes from “Ourios,” referring to “favorable winds,” a title attributed to Zeus.
• 📜 A Greek inscription on the walls confirms the castle’s Byzantine origins.
• 💂 Although there are unverified tales of soldiers fallen in battle resting here, no evidence supports this.
• 🧱 The castle towers remain remarkably sturdy to this day.

Architecture of Yoros Castle

Yoros Castle features Byzantine architectural elements, including a Greek inscription on its walls, a significant testament to its Byzantine origins. The structure includes two large towers and extensive fortification walls. During the Ottoman period, the castle was renovated, and a small mosque and bath were added.

Golden Age and Current State of Yoros Castle

While Rumeli Hisarı is now more popular, Yoros Castle was once the Bosphorus’s largest and most strategic fortress. Over time, it lost its military significance and became a tourist attraction. Despite ongoing restoration, some parts of the castle retain their original condition.

Yoros Castle combines Istanbul’s historical and natural beauty in a unique setting. Positioned at the Bosphorus entrance to the Black Sea, the castle provides a historical journey and an immersive experience in nature for those who visit.