Maiden's Castle (Kizkalesi) The Maiden's Castle, also known as Kızkalesi, is a fortress located on a 15,000 square meter island in Mersin Province. The castle occupies the majority of the island and is believed to have served as a hideout for pirates in ancient times, according to the writings of Strabo. The castle's origins can be traced back to the Byzantine Empire, specifically during the reign of Alexios I Komnenos, who likely played a part in its initial construction following the First Crusade. However, other historical accounts also credit Leo I and subsequent Armenian monarchs from the Kingdom of Cilicia for its development. Recent archaeological excavations in 1982 and 1987 uncovered evidence of the original Byzantine plan, which has been well-preserved in the castle's south wing, complete with square towers. The north and west sides of the castle were rebuilt by the Armenians using their distinctive rusticated masonry, and they also constructed a barrel-vaulted chapel inside. Inscriptions found in 1206 by King Leo I and in 1251 by King Het‛um provide further evidence of the Armenians' involvement in rebuilding the castle. In the past, the island on which the Maiden's Castle stands was connected to the mainland fortress of Corycus Castle by a breakwater. The Armenians called this fortress Gorygos, but after the Ottomans conquered the region, the island became known as Kizkalesi. The island is also steeped in legend. According to the story, a king seeks the advice of a fortune teller who predicts that his beautiful daughter will die from a snake bite. In an attempt to prevent this fate, the king constructs a castle for his daughter on an island where no snakes can be found. For many years, the princess lives safely on the island until one day, a snake hides in a basket of grapes sent from the mainland and bites her, causing her death. This legend is well-known in Kizkalesi and has variations in other regions of Turkey.