Gndevank Monastery

Region

Vayots Dzor

Distance from Yerevan

158.8 km

Type

Monastery/Church

"Gndevank Monastic Complex holds a unique place among the many monasteries and churches of Vayots Dzor. The first structure of the complex, the Church of St. Stephen, was built between 931-936, while the narthex was added later, in 999. Founded as early as the 10th century, the monastery has witnessed both periods of prosperity and decline throughout its millennia-long history. In 1604, Gndevank was devastated and plundered by Shah Abbas. It was later restored in 1691 when, through the efforts of Archpriest Petros, both the church and the narthex were renovated. Additionally, the monastery's defensive structures, including the fortress walls, were reinforced and supplemented with towers and bastions."