Akdamar Island & Cathedral of the Holy Cross
Akdamar Adası ve Akdamar Kilisesi
A 10th-century Armenian church on a small island in Lake Van, its exterior covered in relief carvings of biblical stories, making it the most famous attraction in eastern Turkey.
The Church of the Holy Cross was built in 915–921 by King Gagik I of the Armenian Vaspurakan kingdom. Its reddish-brown sandstone exterior is encircled by fine reliefs of Adam and Eve, Jonah and the whale, and David and Goliath, and some interior frescoes survive. After restoration in 2007 it opened as a museum, and each September an approved Armenian service is held there. Boats take about 20 minutes from the pier near Gevaş, and boat and entry tickets are paid separately. On the island, almond trees, rocks and lake water combine into a setting where you can swim and picnic. It is about 45 km from Van.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–19:00 (shorter hours in winter); cruises depart when full
Nearby sights
- Halime Hatun Tomb
- Çarpanak Island (Ktuts Monastery)
- Van Cat House
- Old City of Van
- Van Fortress
- Van Museum
- Van Breakfast Street
- Ayanis Fortress