Varto Kayalidere Historical Site Roughly 40 kilometers from the town center lies the Varto Kayalıdere Historical Site, also referred to as the Citadel Town, located within the borders of the Varto district of Muş. This area is notable for its ancient Urartian Castle and Rock Tomb, both dating back to the rule of Sarduri II (764–735 BC). These landmarks are among the best-preserved examples of architecture from that period in the Muş region. In 1965, British archaeologist Charles Burney carried out investigations at the castle and the adjacent rock-cut tomb. The fortress was strategically built on a hilltop that once functioned as a control point for a specific Urartian governor responsible for administering nearby territories. This elevated site was chosen for its ideal vantage point, offering clear visibility over the confluence of the Murat River and the Varto Stream flowing from Tepeköy. Excavations uncovered a range of structures, including a fortress, sanctuary, wine storage area, rock tomb, and smaller ruins. Although no inscriptions or written records were found, symbolic carvings were present among the remains. The temple and rock-cut tomb, believed to have been constructed by the castle’s founder, have survived to this day. Unfortunately, parts of the rock tomb—located on the rocky slopes near the base of the castle—have suffered damage due to illegal digging. The tomb contains six individual chambers carved into the southern rock face. After the fall of the Urartian Empire, the trade route running along the Murat River—which once connected the eastern and western regions—became insecure. As a result, Kayalıdere and other nearby settlements lost their importance and gradually declined. If you have any questions or need more information about the Varto Kayalıdere Historical Site, feel free to reach out to us via email at [email protected] or simply send us a message on WhatsApp. We will get back to you as soon as possible.