Vahan-ի ուղեցույցը
Զբոսաշրջություն
Garni is remarkable with a number of historical and architectural monuments of the Hellenistic and early Christian era. The most prominent among them are Garni temple and the fortress of the same name. Moreover, there you will find the ruins of the royal palace and baths built according to the Roman methodology. The museum-reserve is situated on the territory of 5 hectares, 28 kilometers away from Yerevan. In 2011 the complex received the prestigious award of the UNESCO-Greece Melina Mercouri International Prize.
29 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Garni
Garni is remarkable with a number of historical and architectural monuments of the Hellenistic and early Christian era. The most prominent among them are Garni temple and the fortress of the same name. Moreover, there you will find the ruins of the royal palace and baths built according to the Roman methodology. The museum-reserve is situated on the territory of 5 hectares, 28 kilometers away from Yerevan. In 2011 the complex received the prestigious award of the UNESCO-Greece Melina Mercouri International Prize.
Geghard (Armenian: Գեղարդ, meaning "spear") is a medieval monastery in the Kotayk province of Armenia, being partially carved out of the adjacent mountain, surrounded by cliffs. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with enhanced protection[1] status.
While the main chapel was built in 1215, the monastery complex was founded in the 4th century by Gregory the Illuminator at the site of a sacred spring inside a cave. The monastery had thus been originally named Ayrivank (Այրիվանք), meaning "the Monastery of the Cave". The name commonly used for the monastery today, Geghard, or more fully Geghardavank (Գեղարդավանք), meaning "the Monastery of the Spear", originates from the spear which had wounded Jesus at the Crucifixion, allegedly brought to Armenia by Apostle Jude, called here Thaddeus, and stored amongst many other relics. Now it is displayed in the Echmiadzin treasury.
The spectacular towering cliffs surrounding the monastery are part of the Azat River gorge, and are included together with the monastery in the World Heritage Site listing. Some of the churches within the monastery complex are entirely dug out of the cliff rocks, others are little more than caves, while others are elaborate structures, with both architecturally complex walled sections and rooms deep inside the cliff. The combination, together with numerous engraved and free-standing khachkars is a unique sight, being one of the most frequented tourist destinations in Armenia.
Most visitors to Geghard also choose to visit the nearby pagan Temple of Garni, located further down the Azat River. Visiting both sites in one trip is so common that they are often referred to in unison as Garni-Geghard.
18 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Geghard
Geghard (Armenian: Գեղարդ, meaning "spear") is a medieval monastery in the Kotayk province of Armenia, being partially carved out of the adjacent mountain, surrounded by cliffs. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with enhanced protection[1] status.
While the main chapel was built in 1215, the monastery complex was founded in the 4th century by Gregory the Illuminator at the site of a sacred spring inside a cave. The monastery had thus been originally named Ayrivank (Այրիվանք), meaning "the Monastery of the Cave". The name commonly used for the monastery today, Geghard, or more fully Geghardavank (Գեղարդավանք), meaning "the Monastery of the Spear", originates from the spear which had wounded Jesus at the Crucifixion, allegedly brought to Armenia by Apostle Jude, called here Thaddeus, and stored amongst many other relics. Now it is displayed in the Echmiadzin treasury.
The spectacular towering cliffs surrounding the monastery are part of the Azat River gorge, and are included together with the monastery in the World Heritage Site listing. Some of the churches within the monastery complex are entirely dug out of the cliff rocks, others are little more than caves, while others are elaborate structures, with both architecturally complex walled sections and rooms deep inside the cliff. The combination, together with numerous engraved and free-standing khachkars is a unique sight, being one of the most frequented tourist destinations in Armenia.
Most visitors to Geghard also choose to visit the nearby pagan Temple of Garni, located further down the Azat River. Visiting both sites in one trip is so common that they are often referred to in unison as Garni-Geghard.
Symphony of Stones or "Basalt Organ", a natural monument in the basin of the Azat River, in the area of Garni village. It is included in the list of natural monuments of Armenia. The symphony is represented by giant pentagonal and hexagonal basalt columns, which seem to be handmade due to their amazing symmetry.
Симфония камня
Symphony of Stones or "Basalt Organ", a natural monument in the basin of the Azat River, in the area of Garni village. It is included in the list of natural monuments of Armenia. The symphony is represented by giant pentagonal and hexagonal basalt columns, which seem to be handmade due to their amazing symmetry.
Sevan Monastery is located about 6 km from the town of Sevan. It is one of the religious sites in the region.
In the 8th century, some monks settled on the former island of Sevan and began to build their church. Thanks to its convenient strategic location, joined also other monks.
Now, after the attempts of reconstruction and restoration, which took place 1956-1957 years. We can admire the monastery complex Sevan, situated on a peninsula on the northwest shore of Lake Sevan in Gegharkunik region of Armenia.
Surb Astvatsatsin Church and the Surb Arakelots Church were built in 874, the initiator of the construction was the daughter of King Ashot I - Mariam.
Sevan Monastery, unlike other monasteries - a small and modest. At the same time the main highlight of the monastery are the amazing views of the lake and surrounding area, which opens from its windows.
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Sevanavank
Sevan Monastery is located about 6 km from the town of Sevan. It is one of the religious sites in the region.
In the 8th century, some monks settled on the former island of Sevan and began to build their church. Thanks to its convenient strategic location, joined also other monks.
Now, after the attempts of reconstruction and restoration, which took place 1956-1957 years. We can admire the monastery complex Sevan, situated on a peninsula on the northwest shore of Lake Sevan in Gegharkunik region of Armenia.
Surb Astvatsatsin Church and the Surb Arakelots Church were built in 874, the initiator of the construction was the daughter of King Ashot I - Mariam.
Sevan Monastery, unlike other monasteries - a small and modest. At the same time the main highlight of the monastery are the amazing views of the lake and surrounding area, which opens from its windows.
Hayravank St. Stepanos Church was built in the 4th century, has a square central dome, is considered one of the unique samples of Armenian architecture, is made of basalt, and the arches, the dome with an octagonal drum, are made of polished tuff.
In 1211, the brothers Hovhannes և Nerses renovated the church and built a two-column, three-aisled octagonal, vestibule-shaped vestibule. In the small fenced yard of Hayravank there are XVI c. Tombstones and khachkars, and outside the fence are the ruins of cells and outbuildings. Hayravank functioned until the 19th century. 1980s The monastery was renovated, the dome of the church was reconstructed.
Archaeological excavations were carried out in the area of the church in 1952, 1972, 1973. Led by H. Mnatsakanyan. A number of apartments were excavated. The barren material is an accidentally found piece of an early Bronze Age polished vessel. The Middle Bronze Age refers to two fragments of colored vessels, one of which is decorated with images of contrasting sacs painted white on a red background.
The culture of the Iron Age (bronze, iron, bone-stone weapons, tools and jewelry) is more unique to the monument. Ship idols, various vessels, divers, fireplaces, etc. were found. There is reason to believe that the Cyclopean fortress built on the coastal rock of the church, which was the citadel of the walled settlement, dates back to the same period. Specimens of medieval simple and glazed pottery were found from Hayravank
Hayravank Monastery
Hayravank St. Stepanos Church was built in the 4th century, has a square central dome, is considered one of the unique samples of Armenian architecture, is made of basalt, and the arches, the dome with an octagonal drum, are made of polished tuff.
In 1211, the brothers Hovhannes և Nerses renovated the church and built a two-column, three-aisled octagonal, vestibule-shaped vestibule. In the small fenced yard of Hayravank there are XVI c. Tombstones and khachkars, and outside the fence are the ruins of cells and outbuildings. Hayravank functioned until the 19th century. 1980s The monastery was renovated, the dome of the church was reconstructed.
Archaeological excavations were carried out in the area of the church in 1952, 1972, 1973. Led by H. Mnatsakanyan. A number of apartments were excavated. The barren material is an accidentally found piece of an early Bronze Age polished vessel. The Middle Bronze Age refers to two fragments of colored vessels, one of which is decorated with images of contrasting sacs painted white on a red background.
The culture of the Iron Age (bronze, iron, bone-stone weapons, tools and jewelry) is more unique to the monument. Ship idols, various vessels, divers, fireplaces, etc. were found. There is reason to believe that the Cyclopean fortress built on the coastal rock of the church, which was the citadel of the walled settlement, dates back to the same period. Specimens of medieval simple and glazed pottery were found from Hayravank
The Armenian paradise of Tavush region is rich in both natural and historical monuments. The monastery complex of Haghartsin, one of the wonders of Armenian medieval architecture, is located 18 km to the north of the resort town of Dilijan. The exact date of construction of the monastery is unknown. According to historians, the monastery was gradually built from the 10th to 13th centuries. Due to numerous enemy raids, as well as earthquakes, monastic structures and churches were repeatedly destroyed and restored. It is only known that Haghartsin Monastery had been flourishing from the 12th to the 13th centuries. It was at this time that the monastery in various historical sources was mentioned as one of the most important and leading scientific and cultural centers of Medieval Armenia.
The monastery complex of Haghartsin represents an amazing harmony of architecture and nature. Haghartsin, like many Armenian monasteries built between the 7th and 13th centuries, belongs to the group of dome-shaped which is called “katoghike” in Armenian. Typically, church dome is supported by four columns that dominate the ensemble and are considered its central structure. Very often monastery ensembles include several churches and chapels, and Haghartsin is no exception. Haghartsin complex includes three churches: the Church of the Holy Mother of God, St. Gregory and St. Stephan’s. The oldest of them, the church of St. Gregory, was built in the 10th century. Under the Church of the Holy Mother of God there is an underground vault that has no way out: it is a church treasury where monks kept sacred relics from strangers. Haghartsin monastery complex also has an underground passage that leads to the river. It was built as an escape route during earthquakes and wars.
Haghartsin complex also includes a chapel, a dining hall, a bell tower, a library, monk’s cells and originally Armenian khachkars. About 300 monks used to live in the monastery. In addition to churches, special attention should be paid to the refectory hall. This building is an outstanding example of medieval Armenian architecture. Every detail is clearly thought out from a mathematical and economic point of view. For example, on the top of the building, there are two domes, resembling dormers, which let in the sun’s rays and illuminate the refectory hall. The building of the refectory stands on 12 columns, which symbolize the 12 Disciples of Christ. This once again proves that the monastery served not only as a religious center but also as a scientific center, while the monks who lived at that time possessed the valuable knowledge, taught and enlightened the people. Another proof of this fact is the sundial, which was widespread in medieval monasteries. With their help, monks could calculate the exact time of the day, including the time of worship.
26 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Monasterio de Haghartsin
The Armenian paradise of Tavush region is rich in both natural and historical monuments. The monastery complex of Haghartsin, one of the wonders of Armenian medieval architecture, is located 18 km to the north of the resort town of Dilijan. The exact date of construction of the monastery is unknown. According to historians, the monastery was gradually built from the 10th to 13th centuries. Due to numerous enemy raids, as well as earthquakes, monastic structures and churches were repeatedly destroyed and restored. It is only known that Haghartsin Monastery had been flourishing from the 12th to the 13th centuries. It was at this time that the monastery in various historical sources was mentioned as one of the most important and leading scientific and cultural centers of Medieval Armenia.
The monastery complex of Haghartsin represents an amazing harmony of architecture and nature. Haghartsin, like many Armenian monasteries built between the 7th and 13th centuries, belongs to the group of dome-shaped which is called “katoghike” in Armenian. Typically, church dome is supported by four columns that dominate the ensemble and are considered its central structure. Very often monastery ensembles include several churches and chapels, and Haghartsin is no exception. Haghartsin complex includes three churches: the Church of the Holy Mother of God, St. Gregory and St. Stephan’s. The oldest of them, the church of St. Gregory, was built in the 10th century. Under the Church of the Holy Mother of God there is an underground vault that has no way out: it is a church treasury where monks kept sacred relics from strangers. Haghartsin monastery complex also has an underground passage that leads to the river. It was built as an escape route during earthquakes and wars.
Haghartsin complex also includes a chapel, a dining hall, a bell tower, a library, monk’s cells and originally Armenian khachkars. About 300 monks used to live in the monastery. In addition to churches, special attention should be paid to the refectory hall. This building is an outstanding example of medieval Armenian architecture. Every detail is clearly thought out from a mathematical and economic point of view. For example, on the top of the building, there are two domes, resembling dormers, which let in the sun’s rays and illuminate the refectory hall. The building of the refectory stands on 12 columns, which symbolize the 12 Disciples of Christ. This once again proves that the monastery served not only as a religious center but also as a scientific center, while the monks who lived at that time possessed the valuable knowledge, taught and enlightened the people. Another proof of this fact is the sundial, which was widespread in medieval monasteries. With their help, monks could calculate the exact time of the day, including the time of worship.
The college had many notable calligraphers, artists and philosophers studied there, the most famous of which was the 11th century philosopher, writer and scientist, Grigor Magistros Pahlavuni. His remaining texts offer a wealth of information on the theology, literature, mythology, politics, natural sciences and medicine of the day. A true polymath, the Magistros, who predates Da Vinci by five hundred years, was an experienced physician, and continued the teachings of the neoplatonic philosophers by translating and linking ideas from Ancient Greek and Arabic, from Plato and Homer to Euclid’s Geometry.
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Haghpat Monastery Complex
The college had many notable calligraphers, artists and philosophers studied there, the most famous of which was the 11th century philosopher, writer and scientist, Grigor Magistros Pahlavuni. His remaining texts offer a wealth of information on the theology, literature, mythology, politics, natural sciences and medicine of the day. A true polymath, the Magistros, who predates Da Vinci by five hundred years, was an experienced physician, and continued the teachings of the neoplatonic philosophers by translating and linking ideas from Ancient Greek and Arabic, from Plato and Homer to Euclid’s Geometry.
Sanahin was a major monastery in the region, its patrons, the Zakarians, expanded it to its height of eminence as a school of illuminators and calligraphers, as well as a college of religion, philosophy and science, during the 12-13th centuries.Composed of five churches, two gavits, a theological college and book depository, a bell tower and other structures, it is encircled by a fortified wall, making it a formidable fortress in times of attack. Built into the nature that surrounds it, Sanahin has an irregular asymmetry, with all the buildings coming together to form an organic whole.
Founded by Queen Khosrovanush in 966, the magnificent Amenaprkich (All Savior) Church was once topped with a huge dome surrounded by two-tiered annexes. After numerous earthquakes, the dome was replaced by a lower one, and the walls widened and reinforced with arches. One remnant of the original walls, is the monumental sculpture of the Queen’s sons holding up a model of the church – the first such bas-relief in Armenian history!
The college had many notable calligraphers, artists and philosophers studied there, the most famous of which was the 11th century philosopher, writer and scientist, Grigor Magistros Pahlavuni. His remaining texts offer a wealth of information on the theology, literature, mythology, politics, natural sciences and medicine of the day. A true polymath, the Magistros, who predates Da Vinci by five hundred years, was an experienced physician, and continued the teachings of the neoplatonic philosophers by translating and linking ideas from Ancient Greek and Arabic, from Plato and Homer to Euclid’s Geometry.
Sanahin’s bell tower, along with Haghpat’s, were the first of their kind – three stories high, with intricate columns holding the belfry above, and huge ornately carved khachkars (cross stones) in different shades of red and yellow tuff stone contrasting with the black facades. Walk around the site and study the evolution of khachkars, from the old, simple designs of the 10th century, to the ornate 13th century stylized depictions of the Tree of Life.
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Sanahin Monastery Complex
Sanahin was a major monastery in the region, its patrons, the Zakarians, expanded it to its height of eminence as a school of illuminators and calligraphers, as well as a college of religion, philosophy and science, during the 12-13th centuries.Composed of five churches, two gavits, a theological college and book depository, a bell tower and other structures, it is encircled by a fortified wall, making it a formidable fortress in times of attack. Built into the nature that surrounds it, Sanahin has an irregular asymmetry, with all the buildings coming together to form an organic whole.
Founded by Queen Khosrovanush in 966, the magnificent Amenaprkich (All Savior) Church was once topped with a huge dome surrounded by two-tiered annexes. After numerous earthquakes, the dome was replaced by a lower one, and the walls widened and reinforced with arches. One remnant of the original walls, is the monumental sculpture of the Queen’s sons holding up a model of the church – the first such bas-relief in Armenian history!
The college had many notable calligraphers, artists and philosophers studied there, the most famous of which was the 11th century philosopher, writer and scientist, Grigor Magistros Pahlavuni. His remaining texts offer a wealth of information on the theology, literature, mythology, politics, natural sciences and medicine of the day. A true polymath, the Magistros, who predates Da Vinci by five hundred years, was an experienced physician, and continued the teachings of the neoplatonic philosophers by translating and linking ideas from Ancient Greek and Arabic, from Plato and Homer to Euclid’s Geometry.
Sanahin’s bell tower, along with Haghpat’s, were the first of their kind – three stories high, with intricate columns holding the belfry above, and huge ornately carved khachkars (cross stones) in different shades of red and yellow tuff stone contrasting with the black facades. Walk around the site and study the evolution of khachkars, from the old, simple designs of the 10th century, to the ornate 13th century stylized depictions of the Tree of Life.
Amberd, Ampir, Anberd, Humberd, Hanberd, Ghizghala, former medieval fortress city և fortress. It was built in the 11th-13th centuries, on the southern slope of Mount Aragats, 7 km north of Byurakan village. It is located on a triangular promontory, at an altitude of 2300 meters above sea level, at the confluence of the Arkashen and Amberd rivers.
Amberd
Amberd RoadAmberd, Ampir, Anberd, Humberd, Hanberd, Ghizghala, former medieval fortress city և fortress. It was built in the 11th-13th centuries, on the southern slope of Mount Aragats, 7 km north of Byurakan village. It is located on a triangular promontory, at an altitude of 2300 meters above sea level, at the confluence of the Arkashen and Amberd rivers.
Khor Virap is one of the most sacred and visited sites in Armenia primarily due to the legend of Saint Gregory the Illuminator who was imprisoned for 13 years in Khor Virap's dungeon before succeeding in the conversion of King Tiridates (Trdat) the Great to Christianity in the first decades of the 4th century CE.
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Khor Virab
H11Khor Virap is one of the most sacred and visited sites in Armenia primarily due to the legend of Saint Gregory the Illuminator who was imprisoned for 13 years in Khor Virap's dungeon before succeeding in the conversion of King Tiridates (Trdat) the Great to Christianity in the first decades of the 4th century CE.
The monastic complex of Noravanq, built in the 13-14 centuries, can rightfully be called one of
the priceless pearls of Armenian medieval architecture. Noravanq is located amidst wonderful
sheer red rocks near the picturesque gorge of the Arpa River tributary, 122 km from Yerevan.
The monastery complex of Noravanq was founded by Bishop Hovhannes in 1205. The complex
includes the Surb Karapet church, the St. Grigor chapel and the St. Astvatsatsin church.
Noravanq was also the residence of the Armenian noble family of Orbelyans.
In the 13-14 centuries an outstanding miniaturist and sculptor Momik and architect Siranes
worked on the construction of the complex. The fortress walls of the monastery were erected in
the 17-18 centuries.
The most ancient building of the monastery is the St. Karapet church, built in the 9-10th
centuries, which reached us in the dilapidated state. In 1216-1223 the main temple of the
monastery was also built, bearing the name of Surb Karapet. In 1275, the St. Grigor Church, the
burial-vault of Prince Smbat Orbelian, from the north side of the church was attached.
The most magnificent building of the monastery complex is the two-floor church of Surb
Astvatsatsin, built under Prince Burtel Orbelian in 1339. The building is rightfully considered a
unique architectural monument. Especially beautiful is the facade of the building, on which two
cantilever stairs, leading to the second floor, are installed. Above the entrance door of the first
floor there is a bas-relief with the image of The Mother of God with baby Christ, above the upper
entrance there are figures of Christ and the apostles Peter and Paul depicted.
Thanks to the magnificent buildings of medieval architects and the beautiful landscape around
the monastery complex, Noravanq has become one of the main tourist destinations. Tourists
come here to admire the beauty of historical monuments and local nature not only from various
corners of Armenia, but from all over the world.
In 2002, all the churches of the monastery complex of Noravanq were completely restored.
Noravanq is included in UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage.
35 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Noravank Monastery
The monastic complex of Noravanq, built in the 13-14 centuries, can rightfully be called one of
the priceless pearls of Armenian medieval architecture. Noravanq is located amidst wonderful
sheer red rocks near the picturesque gorge of the Arpa River tributary, 122 km from Yerevan.
The monastery complex of Noravanq was founded by Bishop Hovhannes in 1205. The complex
includes the Surb Karapet church, the St. Grigor chapel and the St. Astvatsatsin church.
Noravanq was also the residence of the Armenian noble family of Orbelyans.
In the 13-14 centuries an outstanding miniaturist and sculptor Momik and architect Siranes
worked on the construction of the complex. The fortress walls of the monastery were erected in
the 17-18 centuries.
The most ancient building of the monastery is the St. Karapet church, built in the 9-10th
centuries, which reached us in the dilapidated state. In 1216-1223 the main temple of the
monastery was also built, bearing the name of Surb Karapet. In 1275, the St. Grigor Church, the
burial-vault of Prince Smbat Orbelian, from the north side of the church was attached.
The most magnificent building of the monastery complex is the two-floor church of Surb
Astvatsatsin, built under Prince Burtel Orbelian in 1339. The building is rightfully considered a
unique architectural monument. Especially beautiful is the facade of the building, on which two
cantilever stairs, leading to the second floor, are installed. Above the entrance door of the first
floor there is a bas-relief with the image of The Mother of God with baby Christ, above the upper
entrance there are figures of Christ and the apostles Peter and Paul depicted.
Thanks to the magnificent buildings of medieval architects and the beautiful landscape around
the monastery complex, Noravanq has become one of the main tourist destinations. Tourists
come here to admire the beauty of historical monuments and local nature not only from various
corners of Armenia, but from all over the world.
In 2002, all the churches of the monastery complex of Noravanq were completely restored.
Noravanq is included in UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage.
Shaki waterfall is located in Vorotan gorge, 3 km north-west of Sisian, a tributary of Vorotan on the Shaki river. The height is 18 m.
It was named Shaki in honor of the beautiful Shaki. According to the legend, an invader, seeing Shaki's beauty, falls in love with her and orders her to introduce herself. The Armenian woman, not wanting to be subjected to the invader's violence, throws herself from a high cliff. At the moment of fall, the beauty's long dress opens in the wind and turns into a waterfall, which was called Shaki Waterfall.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Shaki Waterfall
Shaki waterfall is located in Vorotan gorge, 3 km north-west of Sisian, a tributary of Vorotan on the Shaki river. The height is 18 m.
It was named Shaki in honor of the beautiful Shaki. According to the legend, an invader, seeing Shaki's beauty, falls in love with her and orders her to introduce herself. The Armenian woman, not wanting to be subjected to the invader's violence, throws herself from a high cliff. At the moment of fall, the beauty's long dress opens in the wind and turns into a waterfall, which was called Shaki Waterfall.
The jewel of medieval Armenian architecture, Tatev, was constructed in the 9th-13th centuries. In the past, Tatev was difficult to reach, because the winding road had to descend the steep walls of a gorge, and cross a river on the Devil’s Bridge, but now Tatev is easily accessible by the world’s longest reversible cable car.
Tatev Monastery is in the centre of the Marz of Syunik, near the village of Tatev, on a cliff overlooking the right bank of the Vorotan River. Such a remote position was strategically favorable as the monastery was simultaneously the religious and political centre of Syunik Principality, and needed to be defended. The monastery was also the residence of the Syunik Bishop with his vast lands and craft workshops. Tatev collected taxes from hundreds of villages, making it a rich monastery and educational institute.
In the 13th-14th centuries, the monastery prospered. During this time, Tatev University was the largest centre of philosophy and science of medieval Armenia. Students studied philosophy, theology, physics, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, architecture, history, grammar, literature, calligraphy, music, and painting, for an average of seven to eight years. The library held 10,000 manuscripts, all of which were destroyed in a single day during the Mongol invasion in the 13th century. European scholars would have been jealous of the freedoms that Armenian scholars had, as they were able to study with relatively little interference from the church.
The monastery was named in the honor of St. Eustathius, a student of St. Thaddeus. Thaddeus, or Jude, was traditionally credited to be one of the first to preach Christianity in Armenia, alongside St. Bartholomew. St. Jude is now the patron saint of Armenia.
The oldest parts of the church date back to the 6th century, with a belfry and copper bells made in the 14th century. The monastery was practically destroyed by an earthquake, but it was restored in the 17th century. Following the invasion of the Persians in the 18th century, Tatev was abandoned.
Today, the architectural complex is presented to us in all its greatness. The center of the complex is occupied by St. Peter and Paul Church (Surb Pogos Petros), the main and largest structure of the monastery.
The church looks as if "growing" on the entire perimeter from the stone base, which gives a special grandeur to the composition. The first temple was constructed here in 906. The architecture of the cathedral is a little archaic; however, there are also some new forms present in the design. Especially noticeable are big external volumes of the church dome, and the high round drum topped with umbellate dome. The bas-reliefs decorating the windows are interesting - each of them is a human face with snakes' heads facing them. The huge cathedral used to be painted with frescos, which have partially survived. The frescoes were done with help from French students, who came to Tatev on the earliest of exchange programs.
The most ancient church is St. Gregory the Illuminator Temple. It was constructed in 848 by the Syunik prince Pilipos; he also presented Tatev village to the monastery. The temple adjoins the south side of the main cathedral, St. Peter and Paul Church.
One of the most unique monuments is a column called Gavazan. This was originally a pagan monument, built to line up with Orion’s Belt on August 11, when Armenians used to celebrate the New Year. This date is special, since Orion’s Belt is perfectly vertical on this date. When the column was rebuilt in 904, religious figures explained that the three stars of Orion’s Belt represented the Holy Trinity, though the pagan history was hard to miss.
St. Astvatsatsin church-over-the-gate (1087) is a rare example of Armenian architecture in terms of its location. It has a small domed hall with niches on every facade, except for the western one, with a tapered umbrella-type roof.
The St. Peter and Paul Church is surrounded by the rooms of the prior, belfry, vaulted refectory with a kitchen, pantries, dwellings and premises built in the 7th-18th centuries.
In 2010, the cable car was built from a nearby Halidzor to Tatev Monastery. Called Wings of Tatev, this cable car traverses over 5.7 km (3.5 miles) in about 15 minutes.
Silently floating over the surrounding mountains, Tatev Monastery is very impressive. The labyrinths of the narrow passages leading from spacious halls to other premises of unidentified purposes, the outlines of niches showing through the darkness, stone staircases, and arched doorways to nowhere give visitors plenty to explore. Standing on the edge of it takes your breath away - somewhere down below the river flows and crowded velvet green hills stand in silence.
52 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tatev Monastery
H45The jewel of medieval Armenian architecture, Tatev, was constructed in the 9th-13th centuries. In the past, Tatev was difficult to reach, because the winding road had to descend the steep walls of a gorge, and cross a river on the Devil’s Bridge, but now Tatev is easily accessible by the world’s longest reversible cable car.
Tatev Monastery is in the centre of the Marz of Syunik, near the village of Tatev, on a cliff overlooking the right bank of the Vorotan River. Such a remote position was strategically favorable as the monastery was simultaneously the religious and political centre of Syunik Principality, and needed to be defended. The monastery was also the residence of the Syunik Bishop with his vast lands and craft workshops. Tatev collected taxes from hundreds of villages, making it a rich monastery and educational institute.
In the 13th-14th centuries, the monastery prospered. During this time, Tatev University was the largest centre of philosophy and science of medieval Armenia. Students studied philosophy, theology, physics, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, architecture, history, grammar, literature, calligraphy, music, and painting, for an average of seven to eight years. The library held 10,000 manuscripts, all of which were destroyed in a single day during the Mongol invasion in the 13th century. European scholars would have been jealous of the freedoms that Armenian scholars had, as they were able to study with relatively little interference from the church.
The monastery was named in the honor of St. Eustathius, a student of St. Thaddeus. Thaddeus, or Jude, was traditionally credited to be one of the first to preach Christianity in Armenia, alongside St. Bartholomew. St. Jude is now the patron saint of Armenia.
The oldest parts of the church date back to the 6th century, with a belfry and copper bells made in the 14th century. The monastery was practically destroyed by an earthquake, but it was restored in the 17th century. Following the invasion of the Persians in the 18th century, Tatev was abandoned.
Today, the architectural complex is presented to us in all its greatness. The center of the complex is occupied by St. Peter and Paul Church (Surb Pogos Petros), the main and largest structure of the monastery.
The church looks as if "growing" on the entire perimeter from the stone base, which gives a special grandeur to the composition. The first temple was constructed here in 906. The architecture of the cathedral is a little archaic; however, there are also some new forms present in the design. Especially noticeable are big external volumes of the church dome, and the high round drum topped with umbellate dome. The bas-reliefs decorating the windows are interesting - each of them is a human face with snakes' heads facing them. The huge cathedral used to be painted with frescos, which have partially survived. The frescoes were done with help from French students, who came to Tatev on the earliest of exchange programs.
The most ancient church is St. Gregory the Illuminator Temple. It was constructed in 848 by the Syunik prince Pilipos; he also presented Tatev village to the monastery. The temple adjoins the south side of the main cathedral, St. Peter and Paul Church.
One of the most unique monuments is a column called Gavazan. This was originally a pagan monument, built to line up with Orion’s Belt on August 11, when Armenians used to celebrate the New Year. This date is special, since Orion’s Belt is perfectly vertical on this date. When the column was rebuilt in 904, religious figures explained that the three stars of Orion’s Belt represented the Holy Trinity, though the pagan history was hard to miss.
St. Astvatsatsin church-over-the-gate (1087) is a rare example of Armenian architecture in terms of its location. It has a small domed hall with niches on every facade, except for the western one, with a tapered umbrella-type roof.
The St. Peter and Paul Church is surrounded by the rooms of the prior, belfry, vaulted refectory with a kitchen, pantries, dwellings and premises built in the 7th-18th centuries.
In 2010, the cable car was built from a nearby Halidzor to Tatev Monastery. Called Wings of Tatev, this cable car traverses over 5.7 km (3.5 miles) in about 15 minutes.
Silently floating over the surrounding mountains, Tatev Monastery is very impressive. The labyrinths of the narrow passages leading from spacious halls to other premises of unidentified purposes, the outlines of niches showing through the darkness, stone staircases, and arched doorways to nowhere give visitors plenty to explore. Standing on the edge of it takes your breath away - somewhere down below the river flows and crowded velvet green hills stand in silence.
Khndzoresk Bridge is one of the most interesting attractions Syunik province. The 160-meter long bridge weighting 14 tons connects the two banks of the village, the so-called Old and New Khndzoresk. Old Khndzoresk is famous as a cave settlement, where the village is located on both slopes of the mountain and inhabitant have used natural and artificial caves on those slopes as dwellings. An interesting fact is that the area used to be inhabited till the middle of the 20th century, and the New Khndzoresk was built in the 1950s.
Khndzoresk Caves and Swinging Bridge
Khndzoresk Bridge is one of the most interesting attractions Syunik province. The 160-meter long bridge weighting 14 tons connects the two banks of the village, the so-called Old and New Khndzoresk. Old Khndzoresk is famous as a cave settlement, where the village is located on both slopes of the mountain and inhabitant have used natural and artificial caves on those slopes as dwellings. An interesting fact is that the area used to be inhabited till the middle of the 20th century, and the New Khndzoresk was built in the 1950s.
City/town information
Gyumri is the second largest city in Armenia and the capital of the Shirak Province in the northwestern part of the country. Being one of the most ancient settlements in Armenia with the history of 3000 years, Gyumri is a significant location to visit and admire. Its name has been changed several times.
It was originally founded as Kumayri, later re-founded as Alexandropol between 1837 and 1924 during the Russian rule, then Leninakan between 1924 and 1990, then as Gyumri. Each name brought a new era of history, a new civilization and new people to the town.
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Gyumri
Gyumri is the second largest city in Armenia and the capital of the Shirak Province in the northwestern part of the country. Being one of the most ancient settlements in Armenia with the history of 3000 years, Gyumri is a significant location to visit and admire. Its name has been changed several times.
It was originally founded as Kumayri, later re-founded as Alexandropol between 1837 and 1924 during the Russian rule, then Leninakan between 1924 and 1990, then as Gyumri. Each name brought a new era of history, a new civilization and new people to the town.