Varagavank (Yedi Kilise)
Yedi Kilise
The ruins of an 11th-century Armenian monastery on the slopes of Mount Erek, once an important religious and cultural center.
Varagavank (Yedi Kilise, “Seven Churches”) dates to the 11th century and originally consisted of seven interconnected churches. In the 19th century, Abbot Heremian founded a printing press and a school here, making the monastery a cultural hub of the Vaspurakan region. The monastery was damaged in 1915, and today only partial church walls, vaulted ceilings, and carved doorway lintels remain, interspersed with village houses. Located in a mountain village about 10 km southeast of Van, the road is fair. Taxis can take you there. A caretaker from the village looks after the site, and a small tip is appreciated.
Opening hours
Open daytime
Nearby sights
- Van Breakfast Street
- Çavuştepe Castle (Sardurihinili)
- Van Museum
- Old City of Van
- Van Fortress
- Van Cat House
- Lake Erçek
- Ayanis Fortress