Provincia de Van

Van Essentials

Van's landscape is defined by its position on Turkey's largest lake and its history as the center of the ancient Urartian Empire. This collection features 8th-century BC fortresses like Çavuştepe and Ayanıs alongside the 17th-century Hoşap Castle. Religious heritage is represented by medieval Armenian sites, including the 10th-century Cathedral of the Holy Cross on Akdamar Island and the remote Ktuts Monastery. Natural landmarks include the 20-meter-high Muradiye Waterfall and the narrow Ottoman-era Devil’s Bridge.