Two modest medieval castles, Kizkalesi and Erkek Kalesi (literally Girl Castle and Boy Castle) are just 500m apart, commanding a fertile valley where two poplar-lined rivers meet. They're visible in passing from the Artvin-bound D060 around 3.5km north of the Yolboyu junction, and while not really worth a special trip, the whole area is set in highly impressive scenery where sweeping vistas of rolling mountains intersperse agricultural greenery with vividly colourful bluffs and mineral outcrops.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
22.68 MILES
Despite a 30m tower-spire, this laboriously restored ancient church is somewhat hidden amongst trees in Upper İşhan (İşhan Köyü), a green oasis village on…
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12.6 MILES
Originally built by Urartians around 1000 BC, this impregnable, extensively preserved fortress rises above the bus stand in the centre of Oltu town. The…
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25.64 MILES
Especially in May when it's at full power, this wide, impressive waterfall is well worth the 600m detour off the D950 for those driving between Yusufeli…
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27.31 MILES
This abandoned ruin of an 11th-century Georgian church is relatively plain but exquisitely sited on a tree-shaded, grassy platform overlooking an emerald…
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28.41 MILES
For a toe-curling frisson as well as a splendid view across Tortum Gölü, venture out onto this glass shelf, which opened in June 2019 and protrudes high…
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6.07 MILES
The shattered apse is all that remains of what was once a 7th-century Armenian cathedral, rebuilt by Georgians in the 9th century and used for royal…
Nearby attractions
6.07 MILES
The shattered apse is all that remains of what was once a 7th-century Armenian cathedral, rebuilt by Georgians in the 9th century and used for royal…
12.6 MILES
Originally built by Urartians around 1000 BC, this impregnable, extensively preserved fortress rises above the bus stand in the centre of Oltu town. The…
22.68 MILES
Despite a 30m tower-spire, this laboriously restored ancient church is somewhat hidden amongst trees in Upper İşhan (İşhan Köyü), a green oasis village on…
25.64 MILES
Especially in May when it's at full power, this wide, impressive waterfall is well worth the 600m detour off the D950 for those driving between Yusufeli…
27.31 MILES
This abandoned ruin of an 11th-century Georgian church is relatively plain but exquisitely sited on a tree-shaded, grassy platform overlooking an emerald…
28.41 MILES
For a toe-curling frisson as well as a splendid view across Tortum Gölü, venture out onto this glass shelf, which opened in June 2019 and protrudes high…