Golden Hair Monastery

Originally called St. Thomas Monastery, this monastery was an important educational center and place of worship in its time.

It is located within the boundaries of Altınsaç village, formerly known as Kanzak (Kantsag).

It was built in the 1st century to house the sacred relics of Saint Thomas, one of the apostles.

Built to house the relics of the Apostle Saint Thomas and as important to Christians as the Akdamar Church, the St. Thomas Monastery Church is situated on a hill overlooking Lake Van with an indescribably beautiful view. After renovations in 1671, a Jamatun was added to the western part of the church, which was looted in the late 18th century.

The monastery has survived intact to this day. Externally, it has a rectangular plan, and the central space is covered internally by a dome, and externally by a high twelve-sided drum and a conical roof. The interior of the church is illuminated by windows opened in the west wall and the dome drum.

The church, located in Altınsaç village of Gevaş district in Van, can be reached by car or boat.

The church, located at the beginning of Deveboynu Bay, has a magnificent view.

The church is situated in a wooded area, and there is also a priest's garden 200 meters below it.

This garden contains a freshwater source, as well as mulberry, apple, apricot, plum, and walnut trees.

From the church, the churches on Akdamar Island and Varakvank on Mount Erek are directly visible.

There is also a sundial on the church wall.

In the churchyard is the priest's cemetery, and the tombstones are still standing today.

I highly recommend visiting this valuable cultural heritage site, nestled among forests teeming with dozens of tree species, overlooking the magnificent bays of Lake Van.

Location: https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B024'59.8%22N+42%C2%B052'27.4%22E/@38.4165881,42.874285,21357m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x0