Monasteries and churches: holy places in Armenia
Armenia is famous for the oldest churches and monasteries in the world, whose age reaches more than ten centuries. About what shrines you need to visit we tell in this article.
Tourists from all over the world come here to look at the ancient shrines. We offer you a selection of monasteries that you should definitely visit when you are in this country. All places are included in the heritage list of Armenia and are open for free visits.
1) Kecharis Monastery (XI-XIII century AD) is located in the village of Tsaghkadzor. The entire church ensemble is closely connected with the names of the ruling dynasties of Armenia.
2) Sevanavank Monastery (305, 874) - according to historical data, in 305 Grigor Lusavorich founded a skete on the site of a pagan temple on the island of Lake Sevan and built the Church of the Holy Resurrection, which was destroyed during an earthquake in 995. In 874, under the auspices of the wife of one of the princes, the remaining churches of the ensemble were built. The monastery was an important center of Armenian handwriting, where manuscripts were copied and decorated with paintings. You can get to it by your own transport, taxi or as part of an excursion.
3) Hayravank Monastery (IX century AD) is located on the western shore of Lake Sevan. Can be included in the trip plan along with viewing Sevanavank.
4) Haghartsin Monastery (XI-XIII century) is located 18 km from the city of Dilijan in a wooded valley. It consists of several churches: St. Grigor, St. Stepanos and a refectory. The monastery offers stunning views of the mountains and the forest.
5) The Jukhtak Monastery (XIII century) is also referred to in the sources as a twin monastery, because it consists of two churches: St. Mary and St. Peter. It is located near Dilijan. To get to it, you need to drive a car to the foot of the mountain, and then go uphill for about 600 meters. But it's worth it, so don't pay attention to bad roads - you will be rewarded with beautiful views and an amazing architectural ensemble.
6) Goshavank Monastery (XI-XIII century) is located in the mountains at an altitude of 1800 meters, 15 km from the village of Gosh. It consists of a small church of St. Grigor, the church of St. Grigor Lusavorich, the church of St. Astvatsatsin, the chapel of St. Astvatsatsin, a vestibule and a scriptorium-bell tower. The monastery was the center of cultural, educational and religious life of medieval Armenia, it was a famous scriptorium.
7) In the village of Bjni, on the top of the mountain, there is a unique church even for Armenia - St. Sarkis, which dates back to the 7th century AD. Be sure to include it in your itinerary.
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