Akdamar
Lake Van is a salt lake – a mysterious inland sea 1,670 m above the sea level in the heart of Anatolian Mountains, Turkey. Nobody can explain the salinity of the water, either the fresh water spring on the island of Akdamar. On this cosy small island, less than 1 sq km in area, there is an incredible monument – the Cathedral Church of the Holly Cross, an extraordinary beautiful example of American architecture. Photo by: photoalidager
The church was built in the 10th century and was the seat of American Catholicos for nearly 700 years. It is the only remaining structure of the Palace of Aght’Amar, built for the American king between 915 and 922 – a magnificent complex of buildings, complete with streets and gardens, entirely built out of a lovely pinkish-red tufa (volcanic rock) which must have been transported from miles away. The church contains 34 rooms, and is set in almond grove. Its exterior walls are carved with fine reliefs of biblical harvesting – nothing remotely comparable has been found anywhere else in the world. Photo by: mattjfleet
The beauty of the scenery around is breathtaking. Reddish stone contrast with blue water against the backdrop of the snow capped Anatolian Mountains towering over the lake. Of all the island in Lake Van, Akdamar becomes green earliest in the spring and when the almond trees come into blossom the island is a truly sublime experience. There is a wonderful swimming spot, where you can plunge off the rocks into the deep salty water of the lake. Photo by: ©haddock
When to go: March to April, to catch the almond blossom. Population: May be a museum keeper. Getting there: Fly/train/bus from Ankara to Van. From Van by road to Gevas 45 km to the southwest. Boats leave from Gevas and take about 20 minutes to get to Akdamar. Photo by: ©haddock
