Gedelme: Beneath the Old Plane Tree

Time beneath a canopy

A large old plane tree changes the pace of a visit. Stand beneath its canopy and you instinctively begin to think in longer spans of time. In Gedelme, there is a second layer: the remains of a medieval castle lie nearby. The tree and the walls make this a lovely destination for a day inland. Their stories are connected by place, even though their precise ages cannot be established in the same way.

Kadrama and the purpose of a castle

The municipality describes the structure near Gedelme, also known as Güneşli, as a Byzantine castle and dates it to the 9th century. It links its function to storage and provisioning. The municipal description of the plane tree also uses the name Kadrama for the neighbouring castle. This creates a different picture from a romantic backdrop for knights: a fortification could also be connected with protecting and managing supplies. Its inland position makes more sense when you think about farming, routes and provisioning.

2,700 years: a figure with a question mark

An age of roughly 2,700 years is often given for the plane tree, including in a regional publication from 2024. The municipality’s castle page, by contrast, gives around 2,500 years. We treat these figures as age estimates from their respective accounts, not as scientifically established dating. The sources consulted contain no study that can be assessed to establish a precise year of germination. Careful wording takes nothing away from the tree’s impact. It simply leaves open what remains uncertain.

What the tree tells us without a record

You do not need a world record to find something worth noticing here. The girth of the trunk, the branching structure and the relationship between the tree and its surroundings are an experience in themselves. We suggest first looking at its whole form from a distance, then examining the details. A photograph with a person at a suitable distance can show the scale without climbing on roots or putting strain on the trunk. An old plane tree is a living organism; shade and stillness are as much part of this visit as the souvenir photograph.

The cave as another part of the place

The municipality mentions Peynirdeliği Cave nearby. It can be an additional stop on an outing, provided access on site is open and suitable. Being mentioned in a description of the area does not mean it operates as a developed show cave. We therefore promise neither lighting, a guided circuit nor an interior that can be entered at any time. If you are interested, check the conditions beforehand and, if access is unclear, remain in the safe area open to visitors.

A quiet day rather than a search for records

Gedelme can be told as an encounter with three different kinds of time: the living tree, the medieval building and the natural landscape. For a visit, we recommend an agreed route with enough time beneath the plane tree. At the castle, respect existing paths and barriers; historic walls are not viewing steps. Depending on the weather and your interests, a break can round out the day. Confirm that a particular restaurant or other place to get food will be open before travelling.

Into the hills with Erendiz

Gedelme lies in the mountains behind Kemer. The municipality describes access by car; we plan the route and travel time together for the day you have in mind. Our bus guide explains the coastal connections, but does not replace a confirmed onward connection to Gedelme. The Erendiz team helps arrange a transfer or puts together a tailor-made tour. You can experience the place at your own pace, with history, nature and enough time simply to sit beneath the plane tree.

Discover more layers of time around Kemer in our article about Idyros and the Seljuk hunting lodge. Their stories can be connected even if you visit the places on different days.