Armenian Monasteries and Sanctuaries
Throughout the centuries, Armenian monasteries have played a great role in the spiritual, cultural and political life of the Armenian people. These holy sites are recognized not only as centers of prayer, but also as scriptoriums where numerous works and translations were scripted, hand-copied and passed on to generations to come. Many of the church complexes represent magnificent and inimitable samples of the Armenian ancient and medieval architecture.
The Gndevank Monastery
This monastery is located in the Vayots Dzor region of the Republic of Armenia, in the vicinity of the village of Gndevaz. According to the records, the monastery was founded in the 10th century by Princess Sopia of Syunik.
Amrdolu Monastery of Bitlis
Amrdolu Monastery of Bitlis
Tsitsernavank
This monastery is located in the Aghahejk region of the province of Syunik in Greater Armenia, in the present Kashatagh region of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. The Monastery of Tsisternavank is placed among the renowned 13th-century monasteries of Syunik.
St. John Monastery of Bagavan
St. John Monastery of Bagavan
Kirants Monastery
The Kirants Monastery is located in the Tavush marz of the Republic of Armenia, around 12 km west of Kirants village, on the left bank of Kumen, the tributary of the River Voskepar, on a picturesque plain covered with forests. The monastery complex was founded in the 13th century.
The Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin
The Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin is the central church of the Catholicosate of All Armenians. According to the historian Agathangelos, it was founded by St. Gregory the Illuminator, with the support of King Tiridates III, in 302-303, in the Armenian capital town of Vagharshapat, in the vicinity of the royal palace.
Kobayr Monastery
Kobayravank or the Kobayr Monastery is located in the Lori marz of the Republic of Armenia, to the west of the Kober railway station, on the slope of the gorge of the River Debed. Kobayravank was a renowned spiritual and cultural center of northern Armenia.
St. Karapet Monastery of Aprakunis
St. Karapet (John the Forerunner) Monastery of Aprakunis was located in the Syunik province of Greater Armenia, on the right bank of the River Yernjak, near the village of Aprakunis, presently — in the Julfa region of Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic. The monastery was founded by Patriarch Malakia of Crimea (Maghakia Ghrimetsi Vardapet) in 1381.
The Holy Trinity Monastery of Tekor
The Holy Trinity Monastery of Tekor or the Tekor Cathedral was located 20 km south-west of Ani, on the right bank of the River Tekor. According to a construction inscription, the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tekor was built in the last quarter of the 5th century by Prince Sahak Kamsarakan.
Khor Virap Monastery
The Khor Virap Monastery is located in the Ayrarat province of Greater Armenia, on the left bank of the River Araks, on the slopes of one of the hills of the historic town of Artashat, now to the south-west of Loosarat village, the Republic of Armenia. This monastery is a sacred shrine of the Armenians, a recognized pilgrimage site. The history of Khor Virap is closely linked to the conversion of Armenians, and the religious, educational and cultural development of Armenia.
Katoghike (Cathedral) Church of the Holy Mother of God, Yerevan
Katoghike (Cathedral) Church of the Holy Mother of God, Yerevan
St. James Monastery of Kaputkogh
The monastery is also known as the Monastery of Endzakar. It was located in the Vaspurakan province of Greater Armenia, on the slope of mountain Kaputkogh. The monastery was dedicated to St. James of Nisibis. According to tradition, it was founded in the 4th century.
The Great Hermitage of Tatev
The Great Hermitage of Tatev is located to the south-east of the village of Tatev, Syunik marz of Armenia, on the right bank of the River Vorotan, at the bottom of Mount Tatev. The current monastic complex was built in the second half of the 17th century and was replenished by some constructions in the 18th century.
Saghmosavank
This is a monastic complex located to the east of the village of Saghmosavan in Aragatsotn marz of Armenia, on the right bank of the River Kasakh, atop a precipitous gorge. According to tradition, the monastery was founded by Gregory the Enlightener.
Saint Bartholomew Monastery at the site of the Apostle's martyrdom in historical Armenia
Saint Bartholomew Monastery at the site of the Apostle's martyrdom in historical Armenia
What Is a Monastery?
The broadcast explains the notion of “monastery” in its broader sense. It also acquaints with the history of monasticism, monks, monastic complexes, etc.
Goshavank
The Monastery of Gosh or Nor Getik is located at the verge of Gosh village, in Tavush marz of Armenia, on the right bank of the River Getik. It was one of the largest medieval religious, educational, and cultural centers in Armenia.
Monastery of Narek
The monastery was situated on the southern shore of Lake Van, in the village of Narek, Vaspurakan province of historic (Greater) Armenia. The monastery was established by Armenian monks who, fleeing religious persecution in Byzantium, found shelter in Armenia.