Castles

Van can be called as “the city of castles”. There are many castles in Van. Some of these castles had been constructed in the Middle Ages, and some had been made at the times of Uranians.

The most important castles at the region are; Down and Upper Zıvistan Castles, Beyüzümü Castle, Çatak Castle, Lamurkesen (Zernek) Castle, Hişet Castle, Pizan (Örenkale) Castle, Kalecik Castle, Zernaki Hill Castle, Muradiye Castle, Albak (Başkale) Castle, Deliçay Castle, Çelebibağ Castle, Yoncatepe Castle, Müküs Castle and Amik Castle.

Van Castle Van Castle is within the borders of Van city. It is 5 km away from the city center. It is one of the most magnificent castles of Urinian civilization. It had been founded by the son of Lutupri, Sarduri the 1st in the 9th century. On the walls of the castle, there exists the oldest Urinian hieroglyphics. The rock tombs, and the Horhor inscriptions are the other important characteristics of the castle.

The old houses, thermal baths, mosques and vaults in the old city center makes you take a trip in the history.
Hoşap Castle Hoşap Castle takes place within the borders of Hoşap District, and it is 60 km away from Van city center. The castle had been constructed on a sloppy rock. There are watch towers, towers, mosques, and many other authentic values in the castle. There also exists the oldest Ottoman Bridge of the region at the south of the castle.

Ağartı Castle The castle takes place at the east shore of Van Lake. The walls of the castle are still undamaged, and they had been constructed with andesite stones.

Kef Castle Kef Castle is one of the most important centers of the Urinian civilization. There is a palace, and animal and plant reliefs in the castle.
Çavuştepe Castle The castle is 25 km away from the city center. It takes place within the borders of Çavuştepe Village of Gürpınar District. The castle has two sections, called upper and down castles. The castle had founded by King 2nd Sarduri at BC 764 - 734. There are many temples, towers, palaces, water basins, and hieroglyphics in the castle.

Ayanıs Castle It takes place within the borders of Ayanış Village, which is 35 km away from Van city center. It had been constructed between BC 645 - 643. It enlightens the last periods of Urinian civilization. It is very close to the shore of Van Lake.

Toprakkale Castle It takes place on a rocky hill of Zimzim Mountains. It had been founded by the Urinian King Rusa the 2nd, between BC 685 - 645. There are water basins, temples, and stairs carved on the rocks, in the castle.

Aşağı-Yukarı Anzaf Castles The castles are 10 km away from Van city center. There are towers, depots, palaces, silos, and inscriptions in the castle.