Cavustepe Fortress The ancient stronghold of Cavustepe is located in the Gürpınar district of Van Province and once functioned as a key military outpost for Urartian rulers in the 8th century BC. Built atop two elevated mounds at the western edge of Bol Mountain, the fortress spans approximately 1 kilometer along a fertile plain and is protected by robust defensive walls that extend toward both the eastern and western flanks. Cavustepe is divided into two primary areas: the Upper Fortress and the Lower Fortress. Within the Upper Fortress, visitors can find a square-shaped portico temple dedicated to Khaldi, the supreme god of the Urartian civilization, along with other sacred buildings. On the other hand, the Lower Fortress is more compact, protected by thick stone walls and designed in a rectangular form. A particularly notable structure here is the Uçkale building located on the eastern side, measuring 27.50 by 17.30 meters. Its distinctive proportions have led some historians to believe it may have served as a temple rather than just a defensive facility. During the rule of King Sarduri II (764–735 BC), a splendid palace was established on the site, complete with a watchtower, storage rooms, workshops, water cisterns, and even a royal harem. Although much of the fortress was destroyed during the 7th century BC, remnants of medieval habitation are still visible at the location today. Visitors to Cavustepe have the opportunity to wander through its remarkably intact remains and imagine the routines of the people who once inhabited and labored within its strongholds. The site also offers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, providing a vivid window into the environment that was once central to Urartian civilization. If you have any questions or need further information about Cavustepe Fortress, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or simply send us a message on WhatsApp, and we’ll get back to you promptly.