Corycus Archaeological Site

Corycus (Korykos) is an ancient coastal site in Mersin Province, Turkey, notable for its archaeological ruins and two linked medieval castles. It occupies a strategic headland and a nearby sea islet that together controlled a historic harbour.

Visitors see the ruined fortifications on the headland and the distinctive sea castle sitting just offshore, both visible from the modern beach at Kizkalesi. The remains span Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and medieval periods and are approached from the coastal road.

The settlement at Corycus was an active harbour and fortified place from antiquity into the medieval era, with significant rebuilding and fortification in the medieval period. Control of the site changed through Byzantine, Armenian, Crusader and later medieval phases, leaving a multi-layered archaeological record.

Corycus is located on the Mediterranean coast of Mersin Province in southern Turkey, near the modern resort town of Kizkalesi and within easy driving distance of the provincial city of Mersin.

• Two-castle complex: The site combines an ancient harbour settlement with medieval fortifications; two castle complexes - on the headland and on a nearshore islet - are the main remnants.

What to See#

• Mainland Corycus Castle: The mainland Corycus Castle occupies a headland and contains medieval walls, towers and archaeological remains visible from the shoreline.
• Sea castle (Kizkalesi): The offshore sea castle known today as Kizkalesi (Maiden’s Castle) stands on a small reef a short distance from the coast and is visible from the beach at Kizkalesi.

The ancient site of Corycus (Korykos) lies on the Mersin (Mediterranean) coast near the modern town of Kızkalesi in Mersin Province. It is reached by the coastal D400 highway from Mersin-about a 60 km drive west along the coast-and by regional buses and dolmuş services that run from Mersin and Erdemli to Kızkalesi. Once in Kızkalesi the ruins and seafront castle are a short walk from the town and beach.

• Aim for early morning or late afternoon to visit Corycus (Korykos/Kızkalesi area) to avoid the hottest part of the day and to get better light for photographing the coast and island castle.
• Access the inland Corycus castle from the Kızkalesi coastal road and small seafront parking areas-most visitor routes start from the town promenade; in summer you can combine the land castle with a short boat hop to the island (Kızkalesi) when boats are running.
• Many visitors concentrate on the island castle; make time to explore the hilltop inland fortress and the adjacent stretches of ancient harbour wall and cisterns, which are often quieter and less interpreted than the seaside ruins.