Yoros Castle

Yoros Castle is a hilltop fortress near Anadolu Kavağı, in Istanbul’s Beykoz district, where the Bosphorus approaches the Black Sea. Its surviving Byzantine-era walls were later altered under Genoese and Ottoman control. The main draw is the outlook across the strait, toward the Black Sea, Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge and Yuşa Tepesi. You can also look closely at sections of brickwork and Ottoman-era construction, then take in the quiet hillside setting, where birdsong carries through the surrounding greenery.

A fortress above the Bosphorus

Yoros Castle stands on the Asian side of Istanbul, near Anadolu Kavağı in the Beykoz district. Its position close to the Black Sea entrance gave the fortress a strategic role in controlling maritime traffic through the Bosphorus.

The castle’s origins are Byzantine. Genoese and Ottoman rulers later took control and made changes to the site. The surviving structure is now in ruins, with broken sections of wall rather than a complete fortress. Look for brickwork and Ottoman-era construction as you explore.

Views from the hilltop

The setting is a major part of a visit. From the hill, the view takes in the Bosphorus and the Black Sea, as well as Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge and Yuşa Tepesi, also known as Joshua’s Hill. The surrounding hillside is green and quiet, with birdsong.

Yoros Castle is above Anadolu Kavağı, a village visited by boat trips that travel north along the Bosphorus. Some trips include a long stop there, giving time to explore the area. From the village, reaching the castle means walking uphill; driving is another option.