Zil Castle (Zilkale)

Zilkale is a significant medieval castle situated in the Firtina Valley in the Camlihemsin. Its altitude is around 1130 m, on a peak among the Pontic Mountains. It has been known that the castle was built in the 14th and 15th centuries. It consists of the outer and middle walls, the inner castle, garrison quarters, a chapel, and a tower. According to historical resources, the chapel is Armenian and was built by the local Lord of Hamshenis in the Empire of the Trebizond era.