Sights of Armenia Tavush

Deghdznut Monastery

  • RegionTavush
  • Distance from Yerevan163.3 km
  • TypeMonastery/Church

Tavush

About this place

The Deghdznut Monastery, which holds an honorable place in the history of Armenian art, is located 9 km southwest of Acharkut village in the Tavush region. Founded in the 13th century, Deghdznut Monastery was one of the prominent spiritual and cultural centers of historical Armenia, distinguished by its architectural perfection, exquisite exterior decorations, and fine ornamental carvings. The monastery was established by Vardapet Arakel, whose grave is located in the narthex of the church. Ancient manuscripts indicate that the monastery was also a manuscript-writing center, thanks to Vardapet Arakel. It can be assumed that Deghdznut continued to be a significant religious and scribal center in later centuries. The monastery complex consists of a main church, a narthex, and a small church. On the lintel of the main church’s entrance, a carved cross is inscribed, adorned with delicate floral and geometric patterns. In the surrounding area, a chapel, a cemetery, and the remains of a village with the same name have been preserved.

Interesting

facts about Deghdznut Monastery

  1. A magnificent khachkar (cross-stone) was located on the northern side of the main church entrance. However, it fell from its pedestal, broke, and shattered into several fragments. The khachkar was created by masters Poghos and Kaghak. In 1948, archaeologists reassembled the fragments and deciphered most of the inscription, revealing that the khachkar was erected during the construction of the monastery. This inscription provides precise information that the monastery was built between 1250–1270 and confirms that the main church, narthex, and khachkar were built by Vardapet Arakel.

  2. The historical cemetery extends around the chapel, where numerous tombstones and khachkar pedestals have been discovered. However, the khachkars themselves have not been preserved."

Weather in Tavush

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 Deghdznut Monastery depends on the weather conditions.

Deghdznut Monastery

FAQ

Where is Deghdznut Monastery?

Deghdznut Monastery is in the Tavush region, 9 km southwest of Acharkut village. A chapel, a cemetery and the remains of a village of the same name have survived around it.

When and by whom was Deghdznut Monastery built?

The monastery was founded in the 13th century by Vardapet Arakel, whose grave lies in the narthex of the church. A khachkar inscription shows that it was built between 1250 and 1270.

What does the monastery complex include?

The complex consists of a main church, a narthex and a small church. The lintel of the main church's entrance bears a carved cross adorned with delicate floral and geometric patterns.

What is known about the Deghdznut khachkar?

A magnificent khachkar by masters Poghos and Kaghak stood on the north side of the main church entrance, but it fell from its pedestal and broke into several fragments. In 1948 archaeologists reassembled them and deciphered most of its inscription.

Why was Deghdznut important?

Deghdznut was one of the prominent spiritual and cultural centers of historical Armenia, known for its architecture and fine ornamental carvings. Ancient manuscripts show that, thanks to Vardapet Arakel, it was also a manuscript-writing center.

Tavush

Plan your visit

Address

Deghdznut Monastery, Acharkut, Tavush Province, Armenia

Tavush

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