Giresun Castle, situated in what is now Giresun Province, Turkey, stands as a testament to ancient history, with its origins tracing back to the 2nd century BC.
This formidable fortress came into existence by order of Pharnaces I of Pontus, who was not only the king of the Kingdom of Pontus but also the son of Mithridates III of Pontus. In the era when the castle was constructed, the city was christened “Farnakyas.”
However, a significant transformation occurred when the Roman Empire seized control of the city in 63 BCE. Consequently, the city reverted to its earlier name, Kerasus or Cerasus, an appellation that had ancient roots and later evolved into the modern name “Giresun.”
Positioned atop a central hill in Giresun Province, Giresun Castle offers commanding views of the coastline, affording onlookers glimpses of Giresun Island, one of the two islands situated in the Black Sea.