Faith / Monastery
Yedi Kilise (Varak Monastery)
İpekyolu, Van
The remains of Varakavank, founded in the 11th century in Bakraçlı on the slope of Mount Erek, one of the most important Armenian monasteries of the Van region.
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Its story
Varakavank was founded at the beginning of the 11th century by Senekerim-Hovhannes Artsruni, King of Vaspurakan, on an older sacred site; it became first the burial place of the Artsruni kings and then the seat of the Armenian archbishopric of Van. Contrary to its name (Seven Churches), it consists not of seven but of five churches gathered in two groups, a later-added jamatun (assembly hall), a library and a bell tower. The best-preserved parts today are the Church of the Virgin Mary, built in 1003-1021, and the nine-bay jamatun with frescoes added in 1648; the portals with muqarnas and two-colored stone are striking. The monastery was heavily damaged in 1915, and part of it was demolished in the 1960s; the remains today stand among village houses.
Key facts
- Period
- 11th century (17th-19th c. additions)
- Getting there
- ~9 km southeast of central Van, Bakraçlı neighborhood
- Visit duration
- 45 minutes
Trip purpose
- Photography
- Day trip
Location
38.44992, 43.46138
Where to eat nearby
No food & drink venues listed nearby.
Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors; Overture Maps
Reviews
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Source: Web derlemesi (doğrulanmalı): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varagavank | https://van.ktb.gov.tr/TR-437569/yedi-kilise.html | https://van.ktb.gov.tr/TR-437237/inanc-turizmi.html | https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/763344264