Akhtamar Island

Akhtamar Island is the most famous island in Van. It is located in the southeastern part of Lake Van. Akhtamar is located 1662-1912 meters above sea level. The highest point is High rock (1912 m) and the space of the Island is about 0.7 square kilometer. The distance from the mainland is 3-3.5 km and the total length of the coast is about 4 km. The southern and southwestern coasts of Akhtamar are quite rocky and sometimes steep (200-250 m high above the lake level). Going down to the east, the Island's surface turns into a flat plain. It is mostly covered with steppe vegetation. In this area there are many bushes and almond trees but unfortunately the lack of fresh water sources is apparent. The Island has been inhabited since ancient times. In the Island's northwestern corner the traces of cyclopean walls have been preserved, which are remnants of the pre-Urartian settlements. In the IV century Akhtamar was a castle for Ministers of Rshtuni. In the VII century, during the fight against the Arabs, Akhtamar was a stronghold for R. Theodore. In the beginning of the X century King Gagik Artsruni started a construction in Akhtamar in order to make the former an impregnable fortress and a political and religious center for the Kingdom of Artsruni of Vaspurakan. The fence and the port are now drowned under water. According to the planned layout, in royal and princely mansions, streets and alleys, surrounded by large walls – forming the citadel, were located in the highest area of the island. The most significant features of the construction were two memorial monuments: Palace of Gagik I Artsruni and the Church of the Holy Cross. The privilege of constructing these structures was assigned to Manuel, who was a talented architect, sculptor and painter. The temple is 24 meters long. The outside walls surrounding six horizontal zones of figurative reliefs, symbolically glorify the liberation of the Armenian people against Arab domination; Christianity; the elders of Artsruni family and their brave feats, as well as the peaceful work, lifestyle, beliefs and ideas of Armenian villagers. The figures on the Church of Holy Cross influenced the formation and further development of the Armenian sculpture. After the fall of the Kingdom of Vaspurakan, Akhtamar has never been mentioned as a city, but still remains an Episcopal and Patriarchal center. The temple was renovated between 2005-2007.

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