Hoşap Castle – VAN

History

• With a history dating back to the Urartians, Hoşap Castle is thought to have been used as a military base during that era.
• It came under Persian, Alexander the Great, Seleucid, Roman, and Byzantine rule before falling under Turkish control in the 11th century.
• The castle played a significant role during the Seljuk and Ilkhanate periods..
• In 1643, Mahmudi beyi Sari Süleyman Bey undertook a major reconstruction of the castle.

Location

• Situated 50-60 km from Van city center, the castle is found along the Van-Başkale road in the Güzelsu locality.
• Perched atop a steep hill, it holds strategic importance due to its position on the Turkey-Iran route..

Address: Güzelsu, 65900 Gürpınar/Van

Highlights of the Castle

• The castle entrance and its original gate feature an inscription in Persian and lion reliefs.
• Within the castle, visitors can explore structures like an old bathhouse, mosque, madrasah, water cistern, dungeon, and rooms, all bearing the marks of the past.
• The castle’s historical fabric and breathtaking views offer visitors an unparalleled experience.

Visiting Hours

• The castle is open daily from 08:00 AM to 07:00 PM.
• Ticket counters close at 06:30 PM.

Entrance Fee

• Entrance to Hoşap Castle is free.

Visitor Reviews

There is much here to enjoy with a lovely short circular walk around the old castle. Unfortunately it was closed when we visited but was worth seeing anyway. The old mud outer walls of the old town along the hillsides are quite awe inspiring. Walking round the old village was also interesting and the locals were all very friendly.
November 2023

It has been closed for restoration since 2017. But it looks magnificent even from afar. It is not clear when the restoration will be completed.
October 2023

A must-see castle. People are amazed…
April 2023

It is a castle whose restoration is ongoing as of June 2023. There are still undiscovered walls and settlements around the castle. There is no museum or castle interior that you can visit. But even from the outside it is an impressive castle. It’s a building that makes you wonder where the dragons flying on the tower are when you see it. It’s a place that could become very famous in 10-15 years.
June 2023