The monastic complex of the Forty Children

The monastic complex of the Forty Children is located in the northwestern part of the village of Dsegh in the Lori Province. The area is difficult in terms of relief and is accessible only via footpaths — either from Dsegh or the Zoraget community. Dating back to the 13th century, the monastery consists of a church, a bell tower, shelters, auxiliary structures, a cemetery, and khachkars (cross-stones). The complex is partially preserved and currently in a semi-ruined state. The name of the monastery is linked to the memory of early Christian martyrs. According to tradition, forty Armenian youths were executed for remaining faithful to the Christian faith. Their remains were burned and thrown into a river. After this event, persecuted Christians from various regions settled in the Debed Gorge and built a holy site to immortalize the memory of the martyrs. The monastery was built with pink polished felsite stone from the region, and the pillars were made of basalt. The church is of a domed hall type with a rectangular floor plan. The walls, vaults, and dome-bearing arches are eroded, and the dome itself has not been preserved. The monastery walls contain many medieval inscriptions, cross reliefs, and intricately carved khachkars.