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Sights of Armenia Kotayk
The Kecharis Monastic Complex
- RegionKotayk
- Distance from Yerevan57 km
- TypeMonastery/Church
Kotayk
About this place
The Kecharis Monastic Complex is located in Tsaghkadzor and includes four churches, a narthex, chapels, and around 30 khachkars (from the 11th to 17th centuries).
The complex was formed in the 11th–13th centuries through the efforts of the Pahlavuni and Proshyan (Khaghbakyan) noble families.
The main church, St. Gregory the Illuminator, was built in 1003 by Grigor Magistros Pahlavuni. To its south is St. Nshan Church, likely also built by Grigor Magistros in 1051. Between 1203–1214, architect Vetsik, with the support of Vasak Khaghbakyan, built the Katoghike Holy Mother of God Church. About 120 meters away lies St. Harutyun Church, built in 1220, notable for its unique floor plan.
A significant feature of the complex is the 13th-century memorial khachkar of architect Vetsik, erected by his architect brothers.
Interesting
facts about The Kecharis Monastic Complex
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Kecharis was a notable cultural, educational, and religious center, home to figures such as Grigor Magistros, Vasak Khaghbakyan, architect Vetsik, and Khachatur Kecharetsi, a monk and poet.
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Kecharis was also a manuscript center, and many Armenian manuscripts written and copied here have survived.
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The complex is the burial site of Grigor Apiratyan, who died in battle against the Seljuks (1099), Grand Prince Prosh (1284), and others.
Weather in Kotayk
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 Kecharis Monastic Complex
FAQ
Where is Kecharis Monastery and what does it include?
The Kecharis Monastic Complex is in Tsaghkadzor. It includes four churches, a narthex, chapels and around 30 khachkars (cross-stones) dating from the 11th to 17th centuries.
When and by whom was Kecharis built?
The complex took shape in the 11th–13th centuries through the efforts of the Pahlavuni and Proshyan (Khaghbakyan) noble families. Its main church, St. Gregory the Illuminator, was built in 1003 by Grigor Magistros Pahlavuni.
What else can you see at Kecharis?
South of the main church is the small St. Nshan Church, probably also built by Grigor Magistros in 1051. Architect Vetsik built the Katoghike Holy Mother of God Church in 1203–1214 with Vasak Khaghbakyan’s support, and about 120 metres away stands St. Harutyun Church (1220), notable for its unique floor plan. Look out too for Vetsik’s 13th-century memorial khachkar, erected by his architect brothers.
What was Kecharis known for?
Kecharis was a notable cultural, educational and religious centre, home to figures such as Grigor Magistros, Vasak Khaghbakyan, the architect Vetsik and the monk and poet Khachatur Kecharetsi. It was also a manuscript centre, and many Armenian manuscripts written and copied here have survived.
Who is buried at Kecharis?
The complex is the burial site of Grigor Apiratyan, who died in battle against the Seljuks in 1099, of Grand Prince Prosh (1284) and of others.
Kotayk
Plan your visit
Address
Kecharis Monastery, Tsaghkadzor, Kotayk Province, Armenia
Kotayk
Sights near The Kecharis Monastic Complex
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