Homepage Sights of Armenia Dadivanq Monastery

Dadivanq Monastery

Region

Artsakh

Distance from Yerevan

172.1 km

Type

Monastery/Church

Dadivank is located in Dadivank village of Shahumyan region, on the slope of Mount Dadivan, on the left bank of Tartar River. Dadivank has delicate decor with religious and secular motifs, lithographs, exceptional frescoes. This historic monument was erected in the 13th century by Vakhtang Prince’s wife Arzu Khatun. The preserved buildings of the complex are from the 9th to the 13th centuries. The monastery complex includes 4 churches, monastic cells, employer, library and so on. Dadivank is also called Khutavank for being built on the hill.

Interesting

facts about Dadivanq Monastery

Facts

According to the old legend that in the place where Surb Astvatsatsin church now stands, in the first century, Saint Dadi (one of the first followers of Christ) was brutally murdered. The apostle Thaddeus sent him to preach Christianity in Artsakh. However, Dadi was soon captured by prince Abgar and was martyred. The monastery was built at the tomb in memory of an innocent victim and was called Dadivank, although in other sources it is often referred to as Arakelots, which means “apostolic” in Armenian.

According to the legend, “lace” patterns were copied from the fabrics of Khachen princess Arzu Khatun. Thus, a new style of “knitting” khachkars was created, thanks to which khachkars became more beautiful.

It is known that in the 12th century, Mkhitar Gosh resided in Dadivank and created his “Datastanagirk” there, which became the first Book of Law of the Armenian medieval civilization.

Weather in Artsakh

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 Dadivank Monastery depends on the weather conditions.