Trip Planner: Europe / Turkey / Van Province / Van / Akdamar Island

Akdamar Island, Van

4.7

#1 of 21 in Things to do in Van

Must see · Island · Nature / Park

Akdamar Island (Turkish: Akdamar Adası), also known as Aghtamar (Armenian: Աղթամար) or Akhtamar (Armenian: Ախթամար), is the second largest of the four islands in Lake Van, in eastern Turkey. About 0.7 km² in size, it is situated about 3 km from the shoreline. At the western end of the island a hard, grey, limestone cliff rises 80 m above the lake's level (1,912 m above sea level). The island declines to the east to a level site where a spring provides ample water. It is home to the 10th century Armenian Holy Cross Cathedral, which was the seat of the Armenian Apostolic Catholicosate of Aghtamar from 1116 to 1895.

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Akdamar Island reviews

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359 reviews

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4.7

By songulk1819

We have visited it in winter and it’s stunning. I never saw such a beautiful view. It takes a few min with a small boat to reach the island. Definitely a must visit. We have been there with two small.... more »
By Sozaninteriorgifts

Really beautifull old Armenian stone church. Unfortunately some people climbed on the Altar did not know how to behave in a church. The state does not do much to maintain and restorate the church... more »

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Google

By Fares Obeidin

Nothing very exciting there maybe if you have enough time and nothing else to do visit it.

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By Dav Ghazaryan

Just amazing.... Really one of the perfect and impressive places that I ever been, I would give more stars than 5...... P.S. April is the best time to go there, where trees all the way are flowing.....

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