Akdamar Island

An island in Lake Van that holds the 10th-century Church of the Holy Cross, known for its carved stone reliefs.

Why go

Akdamar is the second-largest island of Lake Van, and on it rises the 10th-century Church of the Holy Cross. With the reliefs carved into its outer walls — scenes from the Bible, together with animal and plant motifs — the church is one of the striking examples of medieval stonework. Its position in the middle of the lake gives the building a calm and impressive setting.

Historical context

The church was built between 915 and 921 by Gagik I, king of Vaspurakan. Designed first as a palace church, it was later turned into a monastery church. Restored in 2007, it was opened to visitors as a monument museum. With its four-leaf-clover plan and central dome, the building is a distinctive example of the region’s architecture, and it is on UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List.

What you will see

The island is reached by boat and explored by walking around the church. The reliefs on the outer walls are the building’s most admired feature. In spring the island blossoms with almond trees; from the shore and the island you can take in the view of Lake Van and the surrounding mountains. Because the site is small, the visit is made at a calm pace.

How to get there

The island is reached by boats leaving from the pier in the district of Gevaş; how often they run depends on the season and demand. Gevaş is about 45 kilometres from central Van, and the nearest airport is Van. The boat crossing is short; it is good to learn the return times in advance.

When to visit

Spring and summer are the best seasons; spring in particular makes the island lovely with almond blossom. Because there can be wind and waves on the lake, boat trips depend on the weather. In summer the sun is strong, so a hat and water help.

Responsible visiting

The stone reliefs of the church are fragile; it is important not to touch the surfaces, not to scratch the walls and to stay within the marked areas. The island is small and a protected area, so carrying litter back out and leaving no trace matter. For boat safety, it is wise to follow the staff’s instructions.

Nearby

Central Van, with its castle, museum and cuisine, is worth a visit. Van Castle and Çavuştepe, from the Urartian period, can be added to the same route to see the region’s many-layered history.