This 1000-year-old church, sanctuary of the Armenians, is located in the middle of Lake Van
More than a thousand years old, the Armenian Holy Cross Church (built 915-21), which rises over Akdamar Island like no other, is the landmark of Lake Van. Until 1464 it was home to Catholicos, the religious head of the Armenians. The church is also famous for the unique ornamental relief decorations on its exterior walls. Shuttle bus connection to the landing stage in Van (behind the village of Gevaş) is 25 miles away.
