Varagavank, Medieval monastery ruins near Van, Turkey
Varagavank is a ruined monastery on the slopes of Mount Erek in Van Province, Turkey. Several stone churches built in the Armenian architectural style still stand partially, scattered across the hillside.
The monastery was founded in the 7th century and grew into one of the most important religious centers for Armenians in the region. It was destroyed during the conflicts of 1915 and has remained in ruins ever since.
The monastery drew pilgrims from across the Armenian world because of its sacred standing and religious importance. Visitors today can sense this past significance when walking among the remaining structures.
The site lies a few kilometers southeast of the city of Van and can be reached by car or on foot. Walking around the ruins is easier in the warmer months, as the paths are unpaved and the terrain uneven.
The monastery was said to hold a relic of the True Cross, which made it one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the Armenian world. This drew believers from very distant regions, which was unusual for a monastery of this size.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
