Tsaghkadzor resort city surprises visitors with not only amazing nature, opportunities to participate in various sports and countless guest houses and restaurants, but also architectural landmarks, one of which is Kecharis Monastery. It is an ensemble of ancient structures based on the model of Middle Ages Armenian architecture. The complex consists of two chapels, narthex, four churches and an old cemetery with cross stones. The church of St. Gregory the Illuminator is the main structure of the monastery. The facade and internal decoration of Kecharis complex look quite restrained.
The well-established transport infrastructure of Armenia allows to get to Kecharis monastery by a private car or with the help of various travel companies which offer regular excursions and tours to different sights of the country. Due to the geographical location of Kecharis monastery the trip will not seem long.
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 Kecharis monastery depends on the weather conditions.
The monastery complex Kecharis includes 4 churches, a narthex, two chapels and numerous khachkars of the 12th-13th centuries. The invasion of the Seljuks led to a difficult situation in the monastery in the XII century. Amirspasalar Zakaria freed the monastic complex in 1161-65 and revived the spiritual life of the monastery. Princes, outstanding soldiers and priests who were killed in battles against the Seljuks, were buried in Kecharis monastery.
It is believed that at the request of one of the princesses of the Pahlavuni dynasty, a large castle was built in this beautiful valley, and a luxurious flower garden was built next to the castle. The girl demanded the most beautiful flowers of the Armenian world in her flower garden. Her wish was fulfilled. Nevertheless, one day during the spring a violent wind destroyed the splendid garden and scattered the flowers all over the gorge. The valley of the gorge was covered with flowers, and since then the gorge itself was called Tsakhkadzor (literally from Armenian: Tsaghik - flower, dzor - gorge). The princess demanded from her father to build a monastery near her castle so that the monks could pray day and night and return the scattered flowers. So the monastery Kecharis was built. However, God did not listen the prayers of monks, and fragrant flowers spread throughout the province.
Kecharis is included in the list of monuments of history and culture of Tsakhkadzor. Scientists and politicians Grigor Magistros, Vasak Khakhbakyanm and others lived and worked in the monastery complex.
BJNI VILLAGE
24 km
SEVANAVANK MONASTERY
39 km
HATIS MOUNTAIN
71 km
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