Sitting on a lozenge of rock a kilometre long rising above a flat plain between the city of van and lake van, this is one of the most extraordinary castles you will visit. From it's original urartian beginnings in about 850 bc, this castle has seen almost constant use as a fortress and refuge right up until the first world... More

A huge pile of stonework, much of it in ruins, sits atop the hill overlooking Van township. Spectacular views for 360 degrees around. We were there just before sunset and watched the sun go down. Highly recommended. Took some spectacular photos. More

The castle is big and impressive. You can climb up the top and get a great view. It is close to the lake but you can get a dolmus from town and then walk around to the entrance. Looking from the top you can see where the old city used to be by the bits of mosque left. We enjoyed... More