Historical Palu Castle, Urartu King Menua Rock Inscription and Murat Valley Observation Deck

History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore Historical Palu Castle, built on a huge rock mass surrounded by the curved Murat River, is one of the oldest and strategic fortified castles in Eastern Anatolia. The most priceless treasure of the castle, which was founded during the Urartian Kingdom in the 9th century BC, is the historical Palu Inscription, which was engraved in cuneiform on the steep rock surface by the Urartian King Menua (810-785 BC). The inscription describes King Menua's western expeditions, the country of Shebeteria he conquered, and the temples he founded. The castle, described by Evliya Çelebi as 'a steep rock that spreads over the skies'; It was used as an uninterrupted defense center during the Urartian, Roman, Byzantine, Artuklu, Seljuk and Ottoman periods. It is an open-air museum with its rock tombs, water cisterns, secret tunnels and the Historical Palu Stone Bridge at the foot of the castle. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features It rises on a steep limestone rocky ridge with an altitude of 985 meters, overlooking the Murat River canyon with a 150-meter vertical cliff, just south of the Palu district center. From the summit, the meanders of the Murat River and the Palu historical urban protected area can be viewed panoramically. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees