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Sights of Armenia Tavush
Goshavank Monastery
- RegionTavush
- Distance from Yerevan117.4 km
- TypeMonastery/Church
Tavush
About this place
Goshavank Monastery, named after Mkhitar Gosh, is located in Tavush Region, on the right bank of the Getik River, 15 km away from Dilijan.
In 1188, Mkhitar Gosh started the construction of the monastery complex with the help of Ivane Zakaryan. Previously, not far from Goshavank, there was Getik Monastery, which was destroyed by an earthquake. Mkhitar Gosh, by building the present monastery complex, named it New Getik, but after his death in 1213, it was called Goshavank.
The monastery complex consists of St. Astvatsatsin Church, a chapel, St. Grigor and Illuminator Churches, a small St. Hripsime Church, a library-bell tower, Mkhitar Gosh’s residence, and a tomb.
In the 13th century, Goshavank was one of the major religious and cultural centers of Armenia, where Armenian and foreign languages, grammar, philosophy, rhetoric, music, calligraphy, art, and painting were taught.
Interesting
facts about Goshavank Monastery
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The complex is decorated with khachkars (cross-stones) carved by master stone carver Poghos, one of which is located in the courtyard of St. Grigor Illuminator Church. These khachkars (cross-stones) are so delicately carved that they are called “needlework.”
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Education was received and taught in Goshavank by prominent scholars such as Kirakos Gandzaketsi and Vardan Vardapet.
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For the first time, law was studied as a separate field in Goshavank.
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 Goshavank monastery depends on the weather conditions.
Goshavank Monastery
FAQ
Where is Goshavank Monastery?
Goshavank, named after Mkhitar Gosh, is in Armenia's Tavush Region, on the right bank of the Getik River, 15 km from Dilijan.
When and by whom was Goshavank built?
Mkhitar Gosh began building the monastery complex in 1188 with the help of Ivane Zakaryan, after the nearby Getik Monastery had been destroyed by an earthquake. He named it New Getik, but after his death in 1213 it came to be called Goshavank.
What is there to see at Goshavank?
The complex includes St. Astvatsatsin Church, a chapel, the churches of St. Grigor and the Illuminator, the small St. Hripsime Church, a library-bell tower, and Mkhitar Gosh's residence and tomb. It is decorated with khachkars by the master carver Poghos, one of them in the courtyard of St. Grigor Illuminator Church, carved so delicately that they are called “needlework”.
Why was Goshavank important?
In the 13th century Goshavank was one of Armenia's major religious and cultural centres, teaching Armenian and foreign languages, grammar, philosophy, rhetoric, music, calligraphy, art and painting. Law was studied here as a separate field for the first time, and scholars such as Kirakos Gandzaketsi studied and taught here.
Can I visit Goshavank on a tour from Yerevan?
Yes — ONE WAY Tour's tours from Yerevan stop at Goshavank; they are listed on this page.
Tavush
Plan your visit
Address
Goshavank monastery (Tavush region, Armenia), Гош, Армения
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