Van Castles and Natural Wonders Route

Çavuştepe Castle

This castle is in Çavuştepe Village (Çavuştepe Köyü) in the Gürpınar district. It consists of upper and lower castles built by King Sarduri II of Urartu between BCE 764-734. It contains temples, cisterns, palaces, and warehouse buildings.

Hoşap Castle

This castle, also known as Mahmûdî or Narin Castle, is located in Hoşap (Güzelsu) on the Van-Hakkari highway, about 60 kilometers from Van, near a town that shares its name. The castle’s origins date back to the Urartians and has been used through the periods of the Eastern Roman, Vaspurakan, Abbasid, Seljuk, Ilkhanid, Karakoyunlu, Akkoyunlu, and Safavid dominions, gaining its final form under the Ottoman-aligned Mahmûdî Beylik. The castle comprises an inner castle, which rises on a rocky mass along the Hoşap River (Güzelsu), and an adjoining outer castle to the north. A three-line Persian inscription above the entrance to the inner castle states that it was built by Mahmûdî Bey Sarı Süleyman in 1642 (1052 AH). Though abandoned in the mid-19th century, the castle’s inner structures have remained largely intact, making it a notable symbol of the region.

Halime Hatun Tomb

The Halime Hatun Kümbet, located on the eastern side of the Seljuk Cemetery in Gevaş district, is a historical structure from the Seljuk period. According to the inscription above the entrance, the kümbet was commissioned in 1335 by Saltukid governor Melik Izzeddin Saltuk for his daughter Halime Hatun and constructed by Esed, son of Pehlivan from Ahlat. The kümbet is a two-story structure with a square burial chamber accessed by stairs through a doorway on the east. Built on a chamfered square base, the structure has a dodecagonal body topped by a pyramidal cone and was constructed from smooth-cut stone. The northern façade features a main entrance, while windows are opened on the other three sides, and triangular niches enliven the spaces between. The façades are adorned with bands and medallions of vegetal, geometric, and script motifs. A calligraphic band inscribed in celi sülüs script with the first 13 verses of Surah Al-Fath from the Quran encircles the kümbet, enhancing its spiritual and decorative beauty.

Akdamar Island

Lake Van, the largest lake in Türkiye, is located at an altitude of 1,720 meters and is surrounded by beautiful mountains. On its northwest side lies Mount Süphan (4,058 m), and to the south of the region are the İhtiyar Şahap Mountains. By traveling around the lake, you can visit various Urartian sites and other locations that represent the heritage of the diverse peoples who have lived in the region. Some islands in Lake Van are home to monasteries and churches. The most significant of these is Akdamar Island, located 41 kilometers southwest of Van (accessible by a half-hour boat ride from the shore). Akdamar, the third largest island in Lake Van, hosts one of Van's most stunning landscapes. It is also home to the Church of the Holy Cross, a must-see during any visit to the Lake Van region. Architecturally, it offers magnificent views. The plant and animal reliefs on the church's exterior are among the most striking details. The Church of the Holy Cross on Akdamar Island in Lake Van, eastern Türkiye, was built for the kings of Vaspurakan and later served as the center of the Ahtamar Catholicosate, eventually turning into a monastery. The stone walls are richly decorated in relief with scenes and figures from the Old Testament. The church, which hosts a religious ceremony once a year, currently functions as a museum. After the tour, swimmers and picnickers can enjoy themselves around the island's almond groves.

Başkale Vanadoccia Fairy Chimneys and Akçalı Travertines

Immerse yourself in the mind-blowing landscape that's so unique it can only be found in Türkiye. Welcome to the extraordinary natural wonderland of Başkale Vanadoccia Fairy Chimneys and Akçalı Travertines! Let the paleolithic charm of these enchanting stone formations in Vanadoccia captivate you. Gaze in awe at the sight of the Fairy Chimneys, giant rock pillars sculpted by nature over millions of years. Standing tall and proud against the clear Turkish sky, these formations tell a timeless tale of geology and the earth's artistic prowess. As if that is not captivating enough, make your way to the Akçalı Travertines, where nature has created its own marble-esque wonder. The Travertines, an exclusive spectacle of Türkiye, are terraces of carbonate minerals, giving the effect of cascading terraces of milky ice, though they’re warm and hard underfoot. It's as if mother nature blessed this part of Türkiye with her private cosmic marble staircase. A visit to Başkale Vanadoccia Fairy Chimneys and Akçalı Travertines is a journey back in time, a connection to the Earth's past, and a genuine feast for the eyes. You don't merely visit this place; you breathe in the beauty, touch the testament of time, and carry an unforgettable memory in your heart. Türkiye beckons you. Come and enjoy these beautiful assets, because a vacation here isn’t just a trip, it’s an experience. So, join us in Türkiye, home to unrivalled natural and historic gems, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Muradiye Waterfall

Muradiye Waterfall (Muradiye Şelalesi) is among the must-see natural assets of Van, with its clean air and beautiful nature. The magnificent waterfall on the Bend-i Mahi Stream, fed by Tendürek Mountain (Tendürek Dağı), is named after the Ottoman Sultan Murat IV. Visitors to the waterfall can see splendid views of the 18-meter-high waterfall and listen to the roar of clear flowing waters.

Halime Hatun Tomb and Seljuk Cemetery

Discover a remarkable slice of Turkish history at Halime Hatun Tomb and Seljuk Cemetery, nestled in the embrace of the mesmerizing Turkish landscape. This extraordinary site showcases Türkiye's rich Islamic heritage through centuries-old tombs and artwork. The tomb, dedicated to Halime Hatun, stands as a prominent testament to Seljuk architectural mastery, enduring since the 12th century. Within this historical wonder lies the vast Seljuk Cemetery, the second-largest Islamic cemetery in Anatolia, after the Ahlat Seljuk Cemetery. The cemetery hosts numerous intricately designed tombstones, each narrating a unique story. A step into this cemetery is a journey back in time, inviting you into the lives of the revered Seljuks who shaped the region's history. Each stone bears witness to the glorious Seljuk past and the detailed craftsmanship of the era. As you walk through the impressive Seljuk architecture, a sense of tranquility envelops you. Explore the sacred tombs quietly, each bearing the distinctive features of the era they were crafted in. Türkiye’s delights extend beyond its cuisine; they live in the heart of its historical and cultural assets like Halime Hatun Tomb and the Seljuk Cemetery. Choosing to explore this magnificent site means opting for an in-depth experience of Türkiye’s past, embracing the echoes of its glorious era, and learning about the significant figures resting there. Don’t miss out on this unique historical journey—come, explore, and immerse yourself in the beauty and heritage of Türkiye!

Akdamar Monumental Museum

Akdamar Island (Akdamar Adası) is the largest island on Lake Van. From the Gevaş Pier, it takes about 20 minutes by boat to reach the island. The history of the church established in the southeast area of Akdamar Island dates from the 10th century. Gagik I Artsruni, ruler of Kingdom of Vaspurakan commissioned the construction of the castle by architect/priest Manuel. The reliefs on church’s walls feature numerous scenes from the Bible and the Torah. The Church, which became the Memorial Museum after its 2007 restoration, is one of the most important faith centres in Türkiye. Akdamar Island and its Memorial Museum (Anıt Müzesi) were included in the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List in 2015.