

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.


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.


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.