Aghjots Monastery

Region

Ararat

Distance from Yerevan

35 km

Type

Monastery/Church

Aghjots Monastery, a medieval monastic complex, is located within the Khosrov State Reserve. According to tradition, it was founded by Gregory the Illuminator at the beginning of the 4th century as a convent. However, the Aghjots Monastery that has survived to this day was rebuilt in the 13th century. The Aghjots Monastery complex consists of the main church of Saint Stephen, the church of Saints Paul and Peter, and the narthex. The complex was built of basalt and richly decorated with numerous plant and geometric carvings, though today only ruins remain. The high-reliefs of Apostles Saint Paul and Saint Peter, placed on both sides of the western entrance of the Paul and Peter Church, are considered exceptional examples of medieval Armenian sculpture.