Historical Goat Castle, Ancient Watchpoints and Cisterns

History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore Keçi Castle is a magnificent medieval defense monument rising at the top of a steep and steep rock mass within the borders of Kale Village, approximately 22 km east of Gümüşhane city center. The castle, which dates back to the Roman and Byzantine periods and is known as 'Kouazi' in medieval records, is one of the most strategic military garrisons controlling the Bayburt-Gümüşhane-Trabzon crossing line of the Silk Road. The castle, which was called 'Koğans / Kovans Castle' during the Ottoman period and had guards and guards on duty in the 1642 census records, draws attention with its rubble stone architecture integrated with the natural rocks. According to the legend passed down from generation to generation among the local people, when the castle was under enemy siege and the soldiers inside were about to run out of supplies and water, the commander tied candles and torches to the horns of the castle's goats and released them onto the steep rocks at night; When the enemy army saw thousands of soldiers descending from the rocks, they broke the siege and fled in great panic. Because of this heroic trick, the castle has been known as 'Goat Castle' for centuries. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features The castle was built on top of a steep rock mass overlooking the valley, at an altitude of approximately 1,450 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by bare rocks, oak and juniper communities. From its summit, the eastern extension of the Harşit Valley, the Bayburt highway and the historical caravan route can be viewed from a bird's eye view. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees