KECHARIS MONASTERY

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.