Havuts Tar Monastery

Havuts Tar Monastery was one of medieval Armenia’s important religious and cultural centers. It is located in the Kotayk Province, east of Garni village, across from the village of Goght. The Havuts Tar monastic complex consists of three main and several adjacent monument groups, located 100, 200, and even 500 meters apart. The main group is a walled area containing several structures. This part was heavily damaged in the 1679 earthquake, and between 1715–1725, Catholicos Astvatsatur of Hamadan initiated the construction of a new church using stones from the ruined ancient church and its narthex. The ruins of the ancient church have disappeared, and over time, what remained was buried under layers of soil. Only the southern wall of the Catholicos Church, built by Prince Gevorg of Keghvaberd, remains. The second group is west of the main complex, on a hill. At its center is a 13th-century church, commonly referred to in literature as the “Hill Church.” It is entirely built of black and red tuff stones, arranged in a checkerboard pattern. Khachkars and gravestones have been preserved around it. The third group is about 200 meters east of the main complex. Here stands the St. Karapet Chapel, built in 1213, partially preserved. Khachkars and tombstones can also be found in this section. There was also a bell tower within the monastery grounds, though its exact location is unknown, along with several other chapels and many khachkars, many of which are still visible today.