Karmravank, Armenian monastery ruins near Lake Van, Turkey
The Karmravank monastery complex includes two churches constructed from schist stone blocks, with the main church Surp Astvadzadzin featuring a brick dome.
King Gagik I of the Artsruni dynasty established the monastery in the early 10th century, marking a period of Armenian religious expansion in Vaspurakan.
The monastery contained a valuable reliquary decorated with red gemstones that held a fragment of the True Cross, influencing its name meaning Red Monastery.
The monastery sits at 1909 meters elevation near Göründü village, requiring visitors to plan according to mountain weather conditions throughout the year.
The main church features elevated doorways that were only accessible by ladders, suggesting these entrances served as royal prayer spaces.
Location: Van Province
Inception: 10 century
Architectural style: Armenian architecture
GPS coordinates: 38.37232,42.90428
Latest update: March 4, 2025 10:48
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