Achtamar Slideshow Achtamar island from a distance The Church of the Holy Cross, Achtamar, an Armenian church of the late 10th century, ca. 1000. The restored walls in the foreground correspond to the monks cells in this monastic complex The classic design of Achtamar; an equal arm cross surmounted by a dome, which is covered by a conical roofing Some of the famous relief sculptures on Achtamar A metaphor for Christ; the shepherd cares for the sheep A fantastic griffon David and Goliath scene in relief on Achtamar church Roundels with the heads of saints Jonah is swallowed by the whale Jonah is regurgitated by the whale and lies on the shore Pilgrims' crosses or 'katchkars' carved into the side of the church Ordinary stones are decorated and serve as headstones for the monks who are buried here More tombstones with Lake Van beyond The interior of Achtamar The interior of Achtamar; the dome View of Achtamar church, with the snowcapped mountains surrounding Lake Van beyond View of Achtamar church, with the snowcapped mountains surrounding Lake Van beyond View of Achtamar church, with the snowcapped mountains surrounding Lake Van beyond
