History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
The historical Cak Castle (Süngülü Castle) is a magnificent border castle built on a steep rocky cape, south of the Süngülü (Cak) village of Posof district, to control border security during the Medieval Georgian Atabeks and Ottoman periods. The castle completely dominates the Posof Stream valley and the Caucasus passes; It is equipped with stone walls, watchtowers, rock-carved cisterns and secret defense battlements. Local legends say that this castle is unconquerable, that the castle commanders communicate with Ardahan and Posof castles with smoke and fire signals, and that the hidden cisterns inside the mountain provide life water to the castle. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
It is located in the Posof basin of the Caucasus Mountains, at an altitude of approximately 1,620 meters. Surrounding it are lush Scots pine and fir forests, deep canyon valleys and thousands of varieties of flowers of the Caucasian flora. It is a fascinating corner of nature that is airy, cool and contains every shade of green. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Visiting the historical castle area is completely free.•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): It can be visited 7 days a week during daylight hours for nature walks and cultural exploration.•Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: The path should be walked with caution due to steep cliffs and steep slopes; Cliff edges should not be approached. Not stroller or wheelchair accessible; Mountain walking shoes are a must.•Facilities and Facilities:It is a natural protected area and there is a grocery store, a mosque and a fountain in the village of Süngülü just below the castle. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Süngülü (Cak) Köyü Mevkii, Posof / Ardahan.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: It is approximately 12 km from Posof district center and 92 km from Ardahan center; Passenger vehicles can travel the stabilized road that separates from the asphalt district road to the village; The path to the castle is a walk.•Actual Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): You can come to the village square by village shuttles operating from Posof center to Süngülü village or by local taxis; You can walk to the castle from here.•Parking Availability:Vehicles can be parked safely and free of charge in the village square. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photography Spots and Frames:Panoramic views overlooking the Posof Stream valley and the Georgian border mountains from the bastions of the castle should be photographed.•Light and Shooting Hours:Fog clouds and sun rays rising over the valley in the early morning hours produce fairytale-like shots.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:Posof's world-famous geographically indicated Red Apple, Caucasian bee honey, kuymak and fresh clotted cream should definitely be tasted.