History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Rising on a steep and steep limestone hill overlooking the Çekerek Valley, within the borders of Gökçeli Village of Göynücek district, Gökçeli Castle is a strategic garrison castle dating back to ancient times and the Danishmend and Seljuk periods. It was built to control the historical caravan and military transportation routes along the Çekerek River during the Roman and Byzantine periods. The city walls, which are perfectly integrated with the natural rocky topography, are built with mortared rubble stone and cut limestone blocks. In the inner castle section, there are hidden water cisterns carved into the rock, food warehouses and the remains of a secret corridor that is rumored to lead down to the Çekerek Stream. According to the narrative among the local people, the castle resisted long sieges during the Seljuk conquest thanks to secret waterways; It was eventually conquered by Danishmend veterans with a coordinated attack from the hills in the valley. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
It was founded on a steep rock mass near Gökçeli Village, in the south of the Çekerek River basin. Its altitude above sea level is 845 meters. It is surrounded by oak bushes, wild junipers and steep limestone slopes; When viewed from the castle, the curves of Çekerek Valley and Göynücek Plain appear like a panoramic painting. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Entrance to the ruins area is completely free.•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; For the safety of climbing the trail, it is recommended to visit between 08:30 - 18:30 when there is daylight.•Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: Due to the natural and steep terrain, hiking shoes with non-slip soles are a must. Families with children should be careful as there are steep rocky cliffs. It is not possible to climb the hill with a baby stroller or wheelchair.•Facilities and Amenities:There are no modern facilities in the castle; The nearest fountain and grocery store is in the center of Gökçeli Village, 1.5 km below. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Gökçeli Köyü Mevkii, Kale Hill, 05600 Göynücek / Amasya.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: It is 11 km away from Göynücek district center and 55 km away from Amasya city center. The asphalt road extends to the village; There is a 1 kilometer stabilized field road from the village to the foot of the castle, the last 400 meters is a path climbing.•Actual Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): You can reach the village by village minibuses departing from Göynücek district center to Gökçeli Village in the morning and afternoon; However, a private vehicle is recommended for comfortable transportation to the castle.•Parking Availability:There is an uncontrolled parking lot for 15-20 vehicles in the flat area at the foot of the castle. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photography Spots and Frames:Wide-angle landscape photos, including the red glow of the Çekerek River at sunset and the folds of the valley, can be taken from the base of the watchtower at the top.•Historical Details:The cistern pits carved into the rock and the Byzantine brick fragments in the mortar structure of the walls are worth examining.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:When you return to the town center of Göynücek, you should taste the local roasted hair, dımakması and hot corn bread cooked in village ovens.