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.