Armenia is often described as a country of churches and monasteries. As the earliest Christian nation Armenia boasts a remarkable heritage of monasteries that are true architectural marvels. For travelers who love exploring the past, visiting the monasteries in Armenia is a journey through time.
Armenia adopted Christianity in 301 becoming the first nation in the world to have it as a state religion. Many of the monasteries that survived to this day have been serving not only as religious sites but as educational institutions. The monks were the most educated people in the Middle Ages and many Armenian monasteries used to have libraries.
What makes them unique is their location with every monastery surrounded by unbelievable landscapes. The tourist can easily travel to all monasteries alone but a journey with a knowledgeable guide will enrich the experience with historical context and cultural insights. Anyway, whether it’s a solo trip or not, it’s essential to make sure the journey is well-planned to get the most out of Armenia’s architectural gems.
Nearly every tour organized by Levon Travel includes a visit to these impressive sites. This article will explore 8 must-see monasteries to visit when you are in Armenia.
Khor Virap
With Mount Ararat in the background, Khor Virap stands as a symbol of Armenia’s spiritual significance. Its ancient walls witnessed the establishment of Christianity in Armenia. It was founded in 180 BC by King Artashes and was the place of the 13-year imprisonment of Gregory the Illuminator. The latter is the founder of the Armenian Apostolic Church sed and the first Catholicos. The tourists can tour the complex and climb down to the pit where Gregory the Illuminator was jailed. If you are lucky with the weather, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Ararat.
Geghard
An architectural masterpiece lying amidst cliffs is a place where time stands still. Locals and tourists visiting Geghard often point to a unique spiritual atmosphere inside where the echoes of ancient prayers still resonate in the air. This UNESCO World Heritage site was founded in the 4th century and was famous for the relics stored there. The most famous relic was “a spear” (Geghard in Armenian) that wounded the Christ on the Cross. If you want to feel Armenia’s cultural and spiritual heritage, Geghard with its rock-cut churches, caves, khachkars, and extraordinary acoustics is the best place to start with.
Noravank
Noravank Monastery is a masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture surrounded by reddish rocks of the stunning gorge in Vayots Dzor province. The jewel of the monasterial complex is the Surb Astvatsatsin church by a talented architect, sculptor, and miniaturist Momik. The monastery differs by its unique ornaments and khachkars by Momik dating back to the 14th century. Noravank is also famous for the depiction of “God the Father” in Surb Karapet Church. The stunning landscapes make a visit to Noravank a pilgrimage for those who want to uncover Armenia’s spiritual past and enjoy picturesque mountain views.
Tatev
A monastery dating back to the 9th century is a gem in Armenia’s cultural mosaic on the edge of the Vorotan River gorge. Thanks to its location atop a plateau it hosted hundreds of monks and witnessed several invasions during its vibrant history. The complex consists of several churches, chapels, monks’ cells, a library, a bell tower, and a refectory. Although it is located high in the mountains, it’s now easier to visit it by taking the Wings of Tatev Ropeway, one of the world’s longest cable cars that offers a breathtaking view of the gorge.
Haghartsin
Built between the 10th and 13th centuries, Haghartsin is hidden in the green mountains near the resort town of Dilijan. The complex includes three churches, a chapel, a dining hole, monk’s cells, and a library. It has a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Although it hosts many tourists in summer, everyone can feel the atmosphere of tranquility and power when you finally reach the site after driving along the roar coming through a dense forest. An interesting fact: the monastery underwent a major renovation with a donation from the Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi.
Sevanavank
A monastic complex on the Sevan peninsula attracts visitors with a breathtaking panoramic view of Lake Sevan. A monastery used to be home for the monks who had sinned. It is located high on the hill and tourists have to climb a couple of hundreds of steps to reach two churches, Surp Astvatsatsin and Surp Arakelots. However, the view of the turquoise lake and the surrounding mountains is worth a try.
Saghmosavank and Hovhannavank
When traveling to Aragatsotn Province you can find two gorgeous monasteries located atop the edge of the Kasagh river. One of them is Saghmosavank or “a monastery of the Psalms” and another is Hovhannavank. The complexes are only 8 kilometers away from each other. Interestingly, the oldest part of Hovhannavank was founded at the beginning of the fourth century. It was famous as a significant educational and theological center of Eastern Armenia. Have you seen gorgeous wedding photos with the Armenian bride and groom standing on the edge of a gorge? Most of them are at Saghmosavank which is a popular spot the couples.
Sanahin and Haghpat
When traveling to the northern province of Lori, the monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin are definitely a must-visit destination for every tourist. Both are UNESCO World Heritage sites and represent the golden age of Armenia’s religious architecture. Separated by Debed Canyon, two monasteries consist of several buildings and dozens of astonishing khachkars. One of them called Ameaprkich (Redeemer) dates back to 1273.