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Sights of Armenia Lori
Kobayr Monastery
- RegionLori
- Distance from Yerevan148.3 km
- TypeMonastery/Church
Lori
About this place
The Kobayr Monastery, located in Lori Province, near the village of Kobayr, is built on a high and hard-to-access cliffside. The monastery was founded in 1171 on the initiative of Princess Mariam, daughter of King Kyurike II of the Kyurikian dynasty. Kobayr Monastery stands out with its unique architectural features, which meet the high standards of Armenian medieval art.
The Zakarian dynasty had a strong influence here, especially during the 12th–13th centuries, when the monastic complex passed from the Kyurikians to the Zakarians. The main group of monuments consists of three churches, a belfry-mausoleum, a refectory, chapels, khachkars (cross-stones), remains of fortification walls, a chapel-vestry, and a columned hall.
In the 10th–12th centuries, the interiors of churches in Armenia were sparsely decorated. However, influenced by Georgian artistic traditions, this changed in the 13th century. Kobayr is renowned for its high-quality frescoes, which adorn four structures: the apse of the main church, the chapel-vestry, the open hall, and the first floor of the belfry.
Interesting
facts about Kobayr Monastery
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Among the prominent medieval Armenian scholars, Davit Kobayretsi was known to have been active here.
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Georgian cultural influence is clearly noticeable in Kobayr’s architectural and iconographic design, as the monastery had passed into the hands of Georgian-Orthodox members of the Zakarian dynasty. The Armenian-Georgian cultural fusion is especially evident in the church decorations, Georgian inscriptions, and monastery frescoes.
Weather in Lori
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 Kobayr monastery depends on the weather conditions.
Kobayr Monastery
FAQ
Where is Kobayr Monastery?
Kobayr Monastery is in Lori Province, near the village of Kobayr. It is built on a high, hard-to-reach cliffside.
When and by whom was Kobayr founded?
It was founded in 1171 on the initiative of Princess Mariam, daughter of King Kyurike II of the Kyurikian dynasty. In the 12th–13th centuries the complex passed from the Kyurikians to the Zakarians, whose influence here was strong.
What is Kobayr Monastery famous for?
Kobayr is renowned for its high-quality frescoes, which adorn four structures: the apse of the main church, the chapel-vestry, the open hall and the first floor of the belfry. Armenian church interiors of the 10th–12th centuries were sparsely decorated, but under Georgian influence this changed in the 13th century.
What buildings make up the monastery?
The main group of monuments includes three churches, a belfry-mausoleum, a refectory, chapels, khachkars (cross-stones), remains of fortification walls, a chapel-vestry and a columned hall.
Why is Georgian influence visible at Kobayr?
The monastery passed to Georgian-Orthodox members of the Zakarian dynasty, so Georgian culture shows clearly in its architecture and iconography, especially in the church decorations, Georgian inscriptions and frescoes. The noted medieval Armenian scholar Davit Kobayretsi was also active here.
Lori
Plan your visit
Address
Kobayr Monastery Road, Armenia
Lori
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