Above Sanahin and Haghpat lies the lesser known but very worthwhile fortified monastery of Akhtala with breathtaking frescoes. The Akhtala fortress with its temple complex is situated in Akhtala village of Tumanyan region in a high valley. The fortress’ territory is surrounded with rocky deep canyons from three sides, and the north side joins the…
Srbanes Monastery (built in VIII-XVII centuries) which is known also as St. Hovhannes or Hovhan Odznetsi Monastery is located in Lori Province of Armenia, at the north-west edge of Ardvi village. The monastic complex is consists of two small churches and a belfry. There is a tetrahedral monument, khachkars (cross stones) and ruins of dwelling…
Church of the Holy Mother of God is a 19th-century church in Vanadzor, Armenia. It was constructed between 1828 and 1830 and consecrated in 1831. The construction was completed through the donation of Yuzbashi (captain) Piluman Tayiryants, during the reign of tsar Nicholas I of Russia and His Holiness Catholicos John VIII of Armenia. As…
Haghpat Monastery is located in the south-east of Haghpat village, on a plateau which overlooks the Debed river. It was founded in the second half of the 10th century by Queen Khosrovanuysh, wife of the Bagratid king Ashot III for the longevity of their sons Gurgen and Smbat.The location of Haghpat Monastery was chosen to…
Hnevank is located near Kurtan village of Lori Province. The monastery is situated on a hill within a gorge, where the Dzoraget and Gargar rivers join. Hnevank means an “old monastery” in Armenian․ The exact date of the construction of Hnevank is unknown, but it is believed to be built in the 12th century, though…
Khuchapi vank is situated in on the very northern border of Armenia, in a thick forest at the foot of Lalvar Mountain. There used to be a village near the temple with the same name. This massive monastery is something like the height of a 5 story building, with beatuful colored stones, and intricate carvings.…
Kobayr is a 12th-century Georgian monastery located in the village Kober within Lori marz, Armenia. The monastery was built on a brink of a deep gorge, in 1171, by the Kyurikid princes, a junior branch of the Bagratuni royal house of Armenia. In the 13th century, the monastery was acquired by the Zakarids, a noble…
Odzun was one of the settlements of the Kiurikian kingdom and now it is the largest village in Lori Province. Odzun was historically settled in the Stone Age and excavations in have revealed extensive evidence of human trace in the area. The village overlooks the Debed river and provides stunning views over the ravine and…
Bardzrakash St. Grigor (Gregory the Illuminator) Monastery is located 2 km north-east from the village of Dsegh.The monastery (now partially destroyed) consists of two churches, a vestibule, chapels and cemetery of Mamikonian princes. The northern church which is a vaulted hall was built in the 10th century. Surb Astvatsatsin (St. Virgin Mary) domed church is…
Sanahin Monastery Complex was founded by Armenian King Ashot G. Voghormats in 966. Sanahin monastery is barely 6 kilometres from its neighbour Haghpat, which is similar in design. The Monastery was probably erected on the site of an earlier pre-Christian temple. The oldest references to this monastery are to be found in early 10th century…