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Sights of Armenia Ararat
Aghjots Monastery
- RegionArarat
- Distance from Yerevan35 km
- TypeMonastery/Church
Ararat
About this place
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.
Interesting
facts about Aghjots Monastery
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According to historian Vardan Areveltsi, the holy relics — the right hand of Priest Stephen and of Gregory the Illuminator's son, Aristakes — were kept at Aghjots Monastery.
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Surrounding the monastic complex is an extensive cemetery rich with khachkars (carved cross-stones).
Weather in Ararat
The high season in Armenia lasts for a long time due to the pleasant climate conditions. Warm days in Armenia start in March and last until late autumn; winter is usually snowless and not long. The high precipitation season is variable. The tourist season for Aghjots monastery depends on the weather conditions.
Aghjots Monastery
FAQ
What is Aghjots Monastery and where is it?
Aghjots Monastery is a medieval monastic complex located within the Khosrov State Reserve. Today only ruins of the complex remain.
Who founded Aghjots Monastery and when was it built?
According to tradition, Gregory the Illuminator founded it as a convent at the beginning of the 4th century. The monastery that has survived to this day was rebuilt in the 13th century.
What can you see at Aghjots Monastery?
The complex consists of the main church of Saint Stephen, the church of Saints Paul and Peter and a narthex, built of basalt and once richly decorated with plant and geometric carvings. On both sides of the western entrance of the Paul and Peter Church are high-reliefs of the Apostles Paul and Peter, considered exceptional examples of medieval Armenian sculpture. Around the complex lies an extensive cemetery rich in khachkars (carved cross-stones).
Which relics were kept at Aghjots Monastery?
According to the historian Vardan Areveltsi, the monastery kept holy relics: the right hand of Priest Stephen and that of Aristakes, the son of Gregory the Illuminator.
Ararat
Plan your visit
Address
Aghjots Monastery, Mets Gilanlar, Ararat Province, Armenia
Ararat
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