Kaptavank Monastery

Region

Tavush

Distance from Yerevan

166 km

Type

Monastery/Church

Kaptavank is one of the notable medieval monuments of Armenia, located 5 km southwest of Chinchin village in the Tavush region. From the once large monastic complex, only the church remains standing today. Adjacent to the church, there was once a bell tower, and in the surrounding area, residential buildings and graves of the monastic community were located. According to an inscription on the western wall, the monastery was built in the mid-12th century and consecrated in 1151. The inscription refers to the church as Saint Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God). The church was built with large and medium-sized bluish basalt stones, which is likely the origin of its name, Kaptavank (Blue Monastery). Inside the church, there are numerous fragments of khachkars (cross-stones) decorated with floral and geometric motifs. The monastery was once surrounded by a defensive wall, and a historic settlement extended around it.