Cavustepe Fortress Cavustepe, an ancient fortified site in the Gürpınar district of Van Province, served as a fortress for Urartian kings during the 8th century BC. The fortress is situated on two hills at the western end of Bol Mountain in the middle of a fertile plain, extending for 1 km and protected by strong walls branching in east and west directions. The castle comprises two parts, the Upper Fortress and Lower Fortress. The northern part of the Upper Fortress contains a square-shaped portico temple dedicated to Khaldi, the Urartian chief deity, along with other associated religious places. The smaller Lower Fortress is surrounded by strong walls and has a rectangular plan in an area less expansive than the upper fortification. Notably, the rectangular building named Uçkale on the eastern side of the Lower Fortress has unique dimensions of 27.50 meters x 17.30 meters, leading some to suggest it was used as a temple rather than a fortress, unlike other typical Urartian fortresses. King Sarduri II built a palace on the site in 764-735 BC, which included a temple, a king's tower, workshops, storehouses, cisterns, and even a harem. Although the fortifications were destroyed in the 7th century, evidence of later occupation during the medieval era is visible. Visitors can explore the site's buildings and imagine the people who worked there. Additionally, the view from the site is breathtaking.