Saint Bartholomew Monastery

The stone monastery complex stands on a mountain slope with central church structures, chambers, and remaining wall segments at 2500 meters elevation.

The religious site dates from 1201 when Armenian builders constructed it above an existing tomb believed to contain remains of Saint Bartholomew.

The monastery incorporates Armenian architectural elements including carved stone decorations, domed sections, and traditional ecclesiastical spatial arrangements typical of medieval churches.

Visitors need to obtain permits from local authorities in Başkale before accessing the site, which requires a four-wheel drive vehicle for the final approach.

The monastery represents the easternmost known medieval Christian religious structure in present-day Turkey, marking historical Armenian presence in ancient Vaspurakan.

Location: Başkale

Inception: 13 century

Architectural style: Armenian architecture

GPS coordinates: 38.14994,44.21292

Latest update: May 11, 2025 08:00