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 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.
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.
Cathedral of Talin
This basilica-type church was built in the 7th century by Kamsarakan Princes. Its construction reminds of the Cathedral of Dvin. The dome and the south-western part of the building were destroyed by the earthquake of 1840. The church was reconstructed in 1947, then during the years 1970-1974. The walls of Talin Cathedral were all covered by frescos, of which only a few are preserved.
St. Karapet Monastery in Mush
St. Karapet (John the Baptist) Monastery in Mush, also known as Msho Sultan Surb Karapet, Glakavank, and Innaknian Monastery, was situated in Greater Armenia's region of Taron, Turuberan province, near the town of Mush. It was founded in the 4th century by Gregory the Illuminator, on the site of a pagan altar dedicated to the idols of Gissaneh and Demetreh.
Dadivank
Dadivank or Khutavank is a monastery situated in Artsakh, on the bank of the River Tartar, on the slope of a forest-covered mountain. It is said to be built in the 1st century AD, on the burial site of one of the disciples of Thaddeus the Apostle's, Dadi, who was martyred in Artsakh for spreading Christianity.
Gandzasar Monastery
The Monastery of Gandzasar is situated on Mountain Vank opposite the homonymous village, in the Martakert region of Artsakh Republic. It was founded before the 10th century. The monastery's Church of St. John the Baptist was built by Prince Hasan-Jalal Dola in 1216-1238.
Noravank
Noravank is a monastic complex built in the 13th century and located in the gorge of the Amaghu river, near the city of Yeghegnadzor, Armenia. The monastery is best known for its two-storey Church of Holy Mother of God (Astvatsatsin). In the 13th–14th centuries, the monastery became the residence of Syunik's bishops and, consequently, a major religious and later cultural center of Armenia.
Kecharis
The marvelous monastery complex of Kecharis is located in the northwestern part of the Armenian town of Tsakhkadzor, Kotayk marz. The principal church of the complex is the Church of Saint Gregory the Illuminator built in 1033 A.D. by Grigor Magistros Pahlavouni. The residence of the prelate of the Kotayk Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church is at Kecharis Monastery.