Perched on the slopes of Mount Erek just 9 km southeast of Van, Varagavank—historically known as the Monastery of Varag and called Yedi Kilise in Turkish—offers you a poignant encounter with a once-great monastic center of the Armenian Church. Founded in the early 11th century by King Senekerim-Hovhannes Artsruni on an ancient religious site, this complex long served as a royal necropolis and the seat of the archbishop of Van.
Though much of the monastery was destroyed during the Armenian genocide in 1915 and further damaged by mid-20th-century destruction and earthquakes, evocative architectural sections remain for you to explore. As you visit, you can view the best-preserved structure, the 17th-century Surb Gevorg narthex, featuring a partially collapsed dome with faint traces of surviving frescoes.
Look closely at the entrances of nearby ruined structures to spot ancient Urartian cuneiform inscriptions repurposed as lintels. Today, the complex survives amidst a small local village, offering visitors an honest, reflective look at the layered, turbulent history of the Lake Van region.
What to see at Varagavank
- Traces of original frescoes inside the partially collapsed dome of Surb Gevorg
- Ancient Urartian cuneiform inscriptions reused as entry lintels
- Historic site of the 11th-century Artsruni royal necropolis and historic monastery
- Scenic location on the lower slopes of Mount Erek near Van
Visiting tips
Keep in mind that the historic structures are fragile and managed informally by local caretakers, so watch your step around the damaged masonry.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Varagavank is easy to reach on Van’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Van Fortress. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Van travel guide.
See the full Van travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.