Kastron / Kiosk
Kastron is located in the western part of the Acropolis, about 127 m south of the Kale Masjid, about 80 m south of the Acropolis North Gate and approximately 165 m north of the Acropolis South Gate. North, east and west walls of the structure have survived approximately to a height of 3-4 m; the south wall had fallen and material was spoliated for use in other buildings. The extant walls extend dependent on the terrain. It does not present a clear layout, as it progresses in a straight line at some places and curves at others. Inside the Kastron there is a praitorion leaning against the north wall. Due to its location, praitorion dominates over both the Acropolis and the plains as well as the Kastron itself. This should have been the palace of the commander who ruled the fortress or the central building of the administrative complex, in other words, should have been his mansion or kiosk. Under current view, it constitutes a large building group.
The north facede of Kastron/Kiosk
There are walkways on a part of the north wall, on the east wall and on the intact south wall of the Kastron. The walkway and battlements have survived intact here. It is thought that the Kastron was built right after the city moved to the Acropolis in the Byzantine period and it remained in use as a mansion or kiosk in the Turkish-Islamic period. On the other hand, it is known that Kibyraioton Thema moved to Sillyon in the Byzantine period making it the centre of the thema and the governor (ex-persona) of the thema resided here. Thus, with its strategic location and sheltered topography, Sillyon became an important fortress-city close to Attaleia in the centre of Pamphylia; it is known that the ex-persona of Kibyrraioton Thema, appointed by the emperor, resided in Sillyon. The praitorion in the Kastron, whose construction details are clearly evident, is thought to be the residence of the ex-persona.
Praitorion inside the Kastron