Varto Kayalidere Historical Site Located 40 km away from the central town, Varto Kayalıdere Historical Site, also known as Citadel Town, is situated within the boundaries of the Varto district of Muş. The village is renowned for its Urartian Castle and Rock Tomb, both of which were constructed during the reign of Sarduri II (764-735 BC) and are considered to be among the most well-preserved structures of that era in Muş. In 1965, the castle and the rock-cut tomb were explored by British archaeologist Charles Burney. The castle was built on a hill that served as a checkpoint for a certain Urartian governor who oversaw the surrounding regions. The ideal location was chosen for constructing the castle, as it provided a good view and control of the area where the Murat River meets the Varto Stream coming from Tepeköy. During the excavation, archaeologists discovered a castle, temple, wine cellar, rock tomb, and small ruins, but no written documents were found, despite the presence of symbols in the remains. The temple and the rock tomb, believed to belong to the castle's founder, still stand today, although illegal excavations have damaged some parts of the rock tomb, which is situated on rocks near the castle's foundation. The rock tomb comprises six rooms carved into its southern side. With the collapse of the Urartian civilization, the roadway along the Murat River, which connected the east to the west, became unsafe. Consequently, Kayalıdere and other towns situated along the river lost their significance and vitality.