Known today as Alacin Monastery, this structure was not a monastery, but rather a fortress. In the mountains of northern Galatia, the fortress was tucked away in a valley beside the Pazar River, guarding passage to Ancyra (Ankara). The fortress is dated to the Byzantine Period and together with the nearby fortresses at Asar Kale and Alt Kale these three fortresses guarded the route leading southeast to Ancyra. Alacin fortress had at least four floors with windows. The ascent into the fortress is impossible without ladders.
