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The acropolis of the Urartian capital lies on the central section of the rocky crest (Figure 26.2). Situated on the highest point of the rock (approximately 90 m), its perimeter follows the line of the rock, as may clearly be noted from the south side.

The northern wall of the citadel reveals different building phases. The great size and quality of the squared‐off stone blocks at the base of the wall show similarities with the “Sardursburg” and must date back to the time of Sarduri I, although we do not have a foundation inscription to confirm this.

On the southern slope of Van Kalesi are the chambers of Horhor, the main monument left to us by Argišti I, son of Minua (André‐Salvini and M. Salvini 1992, with previous bibliography). The long inscription of his annals with the deeds of the king, decorating the entrance of this rock mausoleum, is the most extensive document in Urartian cuneiform epigraphy (CTU A 8‐3). Not only the conquests in Transcaucasia and in northern Iran are celebrated here but even the foundation of two important towns in Armenia, namely Erebuni and Argištiinili. Many rock tombs (beside some other huge chamber complexes of unknown purpose) are still visible on the south slope of Van Kalesi, which can be linked with the later Achaemenid rock tombs (Calmeyer 1975). An important architectural feature which connects the two civilizations is the Urartian tower temple (high, square with edge buttresses, and with one single cella), which is perhaps the precedent of the Kaba‐ye Zardušt (Stronach 1967, 2012).