Hayravank Monastery

Region

Gegharkunik

Distance from Yerevan

81.5 km

Type

Monastery/Church

Hayravank Monastic Complex is located on a high cliff by the shores of Lake Sevan. It is also known by the names Father Hovhannu Monastery and Martaghavnyats Monastery. Hayravank consists of the Church of Saint Stephen and a narthex. The complex dates back to the 9th–12th centuries. The Church of St. Stephen, built in the 9th century, is a unique example of Armenian architecture. It is a square-domed structure with a cruciform plan both inside and outside. The church is built from rough-hewn basalt, while its arches and the octagonal drum with dome are made of finely-cut tuff. Of the five inscriptions found on the church, the earliest dates to 1211, stating that the church was first renovated by priests Hovhasap and Nerses. The narthex, built in the 12th century, is constructed entirely from finely-cut stones.