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Sights of Armenia Gegharkunik
Sevanavank Monastic Complex
- RegionGegharkunik
- Distance from Yerevan67.3 km
- TypeMonastery/Church
Gegharkunik
About this place
One of the most well-known historical, cultural, and tourist sites in Armenia is the Sevanavank Monastic Complex, which was founded in 305 AD. According to tradition, Gregory the Illuminator established the monastery by placing a wooden cross on the site of a former pagan temple.
Originally, Sevanavank consisted of four churches, a narthex, and auxiliary buildings, but today only two churches remain standing. Based on historical and inscriptional sources, these two churches were built in 874 AD.
The all savior khachkar (cross-stone) of Sevanavank, depicting the crucifixion scene of Christ, is located in the church of the Apostles. According to the inscription, it was crafted in 1653 by Master Trdat, as an offering for the well-being of Hayrapet and Hrepeka.
In addition to being a religious center, Sevanavank also served as one of medieval Armenia's notable fortresses. In 921, Armenian King Ashot II the Iron (ruling 914–921) fought an important battle against Arab forces here.
Interesting
facts about Sevanavank Monastic Complex
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Sevanavank is also known as ""Mariamashen,"" meaning ""built by Mariam."" According to an inscription found on one of the churches, the monastery was founded in 874 by Princess Mariam.
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During the 20th century, the water level of Lake Sevan dropped so significantly that the island on which Sevanavank was built became a peninsula.
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The monastery was looted and destroyed several times during the Mongol and Tamerlane invasions.
Weather in Gegharkunik
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 Sevanavank monastery depends on the weather conditions.
Sevanavank Monastic Complex
FAQ
When was Sevanavank founded?
The founding of Sevanavank is dated to 305 AD: according to tradition, Gregory the Illuminator established it by placing a wooden cross on the site of a former pagan temple. The monastery is also known as Mariamashen, “built by Mariam”, because an inscription on one of its churches says it was founded in 874 by Princess Mariam.
What can you see at Sevanavank?
Sevanavank once had four churches, a narthex and auxiliary buildings; today two churches stand, built in 874 according to historical and inscriptional sources. The Church of the Apostles holds the All Saviour khachkar (cross-stone) depicting the crucifixion of Christ, carved in 1653 by Master Trdat.
Is Sevanavank on an island?
Sevanavank was built on an island in Lake Sevan, but during the 20th century the lake's water level dropped so much that the island became a peninsula.
What happened at Sevanavank in history?
Besides being a religious centre, Sevanavank was one of the notable fortresses of medieval Armenia: in 921 King Ashot II the Iron fought an important battle against Arab forces here. The monastery was looted and destroyed several times during the Mongol and Tamerlane invasions.
Can I visit Sevanavank on a tour from Yerevan?
Yes — ONE WAY Tour's tours from Yerevan stop at Sevanavank; they are listed on this page.
Gegharkunik
Plan your visit
Address
Sevanavank, Sevan, Gegharkunik Province, Armenia
Tours
Tours visiting Sevanavank Monastic Complex
Tours to Lake Sevan → Tours to Sevanavank →
Gegharkunik
Sights near Sevanavank Monastic Complex
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