GoTurkiye image

Van

Van: Where History Meets the Mystical Lake Van!

Van

Discover Van: A Journey Through History and Nature

Why Visit Van?

Van, located in the heart of Eastern Anatolia, offers a captivating blend of ancient history, rich culture, and natural beauty. Known for being the capital of the Urartian Empire, this city is home to the majestic Van Castle and Hoşap Castle, stunning examples of medieval fortresses. Lake Van, the largest lake in Türkiye, adds to the city's allure with its pristine waters and the mystical Akdamar Island, where visitors can explore ancient churches. Beyond historical sites, Van's natural wonders include the impressive Muradiye Waterfall and the scenic hiking trails of Mount Artos.

What Are the Must-See Historical Sites in Van?

Van Castle

Van Castle is one of the most...

Discover Akdamar Island, a jewel in Lake Van known for its stunning Church of the Holy Cross. banner image

Discover Akdamar Island, a jewel in Lake Van known for its stunning Church of the Holy Cross.

Lake Van, the largest lake in Türkiye, is located at an altitude of 1,720 meters and is surrounded by beautiful mountains.

Discover

Unmissable Van experiences

Uncover the charm of Van through its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, offering unique experiences at every turn.

What to See in Van

Akdamar Church
Akdamar Church
Akdamar Island
Akdamar Island
Ayanis Castle
Ayanis Castle
Edremit Water Sports Centre
Edremit Water Sports Centre
Geographically Marked Cheese with Herbs
Geographically Marked Cheese with Herbs
Historical Cheese Bazaar
Historical Cheese Bazaar
Hoşap Castle
Hoşap Castle
Van Museum
Van Museum
heart icon

Reasons to Love Van

Reasons to Love

Van is famous for its unique breed of cat, the Van Cat, known for its distinct eyes.

Van is home to the stunning Lake Van, the largest lake in Türkiye.

Van has a rich history, with many ancient sites such as the Van Fortress.

Van has a diverse cultural heritage, blending Anatolian and Mesopotamian heritage.

Van is home to ancient castles, including the iconic Van Castle.

Top 10 things to TICK-OFF your Van Bucket List!

The culinary scene of Van

Enjoy the flavours of Van, where van honey, erçiş grape, and Anatolian specialities come together in a deliciously diverse food culture.

Here's how to inspire envy with your Van trip!

Experience the timeless beauty of Van, where ancient history meets lush landscapes, and local culture thrives in an unforgettable destination.
No hidden gems here
try searching another way!

Plan your trip

Create your own itinerary

Van's shopping districts and hubs

Explore the vibrant shopping districts and hubs of Van, where modern malls meet traditional bazaars, offering everything from luxury brands to handcrafted local goods.

Before you go: take with you

Don’t leave Van without bringing home a piece of its unique culture and flavors.

 

Van Müzesi: Unearth Millennia of Civilisation in Türkiye's Timeless Treasure Trove!

The main reason for Van's cultural wealth, which can be described as the intersection point of civilizations, is the heritage left by the many civilizations it has sheltered. The Urartians, who emerged in this region in BCE 900 and chose fertile and beautiful Van as their capital, were a civilization far ahead of their era in architecture, technology, art and mining. The Van Museum (Van Müzesi), which offers a comprehensive perspective on the Urartians, awaits visitors who desire to see the heritage of all the civilizations that have left their mark over thousands of years of history in the ancient city of Van, especially this resplendent civilization.

 

Explore the stunning Akdamar Church, an architectural gem on Akdamar Island.

There is also the Surp Cross Church, which is also known as the Akdamar Church, a must-see place during a visit to the Lake Van area. It offers great views in terms of architecture. Plant and animal motifs on the exterior of the church are amongst the most remarkable details.

Van's Museums and Historic Sites

Explore the rich history and culture of Van through its fascinating museums and historic sites.

Learn more about Van charms

Explore the lush green landscapes and cultural richness of Van , a province that offers an adventure through its vibrant traditions and natural wonders.

Weather

Van
/ 18 Jan
20
Rain: 0%Humidity: 48%Wind: 23 km/s
MonthJune-Aug
Min-Max ºC17º/36º