The Cathedral is located on Akdamar Island within the borders of Gevaş District. The cathedral, which was established in the southeast of the island, was built by the Architect-Monk Manuel between 915-921 with the order of Vaspurakan King Gagik I in the name of the Holy Cross. The chapel to the northeast of the church was built in 1296-1336, square hall attached to the western entrance of the church was built in 1763; and the bell tower to the south was added at the end of the 18th century. The date of the chapel in the north is unknown.
