Van Fortress
Van Kalesi
The limestone citadel of Tushpa, capital of the Urartian kingdom, with cuneiform inscriptions and royal tombs carved into the cliffs, offering views of Lake Van at sunset.
Van Fortress was built in the 9th century BC as the citadel of Tushpa, capital of the Kingdom of Urartu. It sits on an isolated rocky ridge about 1.8 km long on the eastern shore of Lake Van. You can see trilingual cuneiform inscriptions of Xerxes I, Urartian royal tombs carved into the cliff face, and a mosque and city walls from the Ottoman period. The summit overlooks Lake Van and the ruins of the old town to the south, and sunset is the most spectacular time. Tickets cost about 3–6 euros and are valid with the Turkish Museum Pass. The paths are steep and stony, so wear non-slip shoes. The fortress is about 5 km from the city centre and can be reached by minibus or taxi.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–19:00 (until 17:00 in winter)
Nearby sights
- Van Museum
- Old City of Van
- Van Breakfast Street
- Van Cat House
- Varagavank (Yedi Kilise)
- Çavuştepe Castle (Sardurihinili)
- Ayanis Fortress
- Çarpanak Island (Ktuts Monastery)