Akhtamar
Island
on the Van Lake in historical Vaspurakan province of Armenia (now in
Turkey). In 915-921, the sumptuous Church of Holy Cross and the royal
palace were built here by the architect Manuel under the auspices of
King Gagik Ardzrouni. In 1113, The Church of Holy Cross became the residence
of the Catholicos of Akhtamar.
Church of Holy Cross, view from the East
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