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Palu Castle

History and archaeology / Castle

Palu Castle

Palu, Elazığ

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A castle on a steep rock on the banks of the Murat River, known for its cuneiform inscription from the reign of the Urartian king Menua, rock tunnels and stairs.

Safety warning

Some sections may be closed because of excavation work; be careful on the rocky, steep paths and wear suitable shoes. Elazığ was affected by the Sivrice earthquake of 24 January 2020 and the earthquakes of 6 February 2023; historic buildings may be under repair or have visiting restrictions, so check the current situation before visiting.

Its story

Palu Castle was built on a rock in the reign of the Urartian king Menua (Menuas). Its position, surrounded by the Murat River to the south and southeast and by steep cliffs to the north and west, makes the castle a natural defensive point. The castle has an Urartian cuneiform inscription about 3,000 years old, rock-cut tunnels, rock tombs, stairs, worship niches and cisterns; remains of palaces, military buildings and walls from the Artuqid, Seljuk and Ottoman periods can also be seen. Evliya Çelebi described it as a castle that reaches up to the sky. Archaeological excavations are ongoing at the castle. GoTürkiye's Elazığ route recommends crossing the historic Palu bridge over the Murat, seeing the castle and the Urartian inscription, and then touring the district's Ulu Mosque and the remains of a historic church and bath.

Key facts

Period
Urartian (9th–8th century BC); medieval and Ottoman additions
Admission
Open area (excavation area may be restricted)
Getting there
Palu district center, about 70 km from Elazığ
Visit duration
1–1.5 hours

Trip purpose

  • Photography
  • Day trip
  • Hiking

Location

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38.70218, 39.95351

Where to eat nearby

No food & drink venues listed nearby.

Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors; Overture Maps

Reviews

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Source: Web derlemesi (doğrulanmalı): https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palu_Kalesi | https://goturkiye.com/elazig/48-hours | https://goturkiye.com/elazig/10-vibes-for-elazig | https://elazig.ktb.gov.tr/TR-470181/palu-palu-kalesinde-yurutulen-kazi-calismalarini-yerind-.html | https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/2279983498