Gökkale
 Villa rustica from the south | |
  Shown within Turkey | |
| Location | Silifke, Mersin Province, Turkey |
|---|---|
| Region | Mediterranean Region |
| Coordinates | 36°30′02″N 33°57′13″E / 36.50056°N 33.95361°E |
| Type | Villa rustica |
| History | |
| Periods | Roman Empire to early Byzantine Empire |
| Site notes | |
| Ownership | Partially demolished |
Gökkale is an ancient villa rustica in Silifke district of Mersin Province, Turkey
Geography
Gökkale is situated to the northwest of the
Roman road. The distance to Silifke is 30 kilometres (19 mi) and to Mersin
is 87 kilometres (54 mi).
History
Gökkale literally means "Skycastle". But actually it was a residence. Gökkale is situated in a region which was once called
Cilicia Trachaea (Rugged Cilicia). This region was famous for olive production and there were vast farms during the Roman Empire and early Byzantine Empire
eras. Villa rusticas were residences of wealthy farm owners.
Building
The building with orthogonal masonry has six rooms. The windows are supported by vaults. There is a big cistern under the front yard of the building. There are two sarcophagi, the ruins of an olive press and a mill around the building.[1]
Trivia
In 1949 the building was temporarily used as a village school.
References
- ISBN 978 605 4196 07 4p.243