Ginolu Castle, situated on a cliff in Kastamonu's Çatalzeytin district in northern Türkiye, overlooks both Ginolu Bay and the Black Sea's beauty. After completing restoration work, it is now awaiting visitors. Ginolu Bay, which greets the Black Sea, is located 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the district center.
The castle, with its first settlement dating back to the fifth century B.C., gained importance during the Venetian and Genoese colonization.
Also known as "Kinolis Castle," it offers views of a harbor to the east, the blue expanse of the Black Sea to the north, the uniquely beautiful Ginolu Bay to the west and the Ginolu neighborhood to the south. Thus, visitors can see the sea from three sides of the castle. Restoration work on the castle, initiated in 2021 by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Çatalzeytin Municipality, has been completed.
Once the remaining minor issues are addressed, the castle is expected to boost local tourism. Çatalzeytin Mayor Ahmet Demir told AA that Ginolu Castle boasts natural beauty and noted that it is intertwined with Ginolu Bay and its harbor. "In 2021, we undertook restoration work; some parts of the walls deteriorated; we carried out excellent work, preserving its natural state and structure and beautifying the old walking paths with natural stones.
After completing the lighting in the coming days, it will be fully opened to tourism, it will be a great asset for our district, we invite everyone to see Çatalzeytin Ginolu .