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Spitakavor St.Astvatsatsin Monastery

Region

Vayots Dzor

Distance from Yerevan

138.4 km

Type

Monastery/Church

Мedieval monastery Spitakavor St.Astvatsatsin (Holy Virgin) is located in Vayots Dzor. The monastery consists of a church, a narthex, a bell-tower and is surrounded by fort-walls. The external composition of the church is very rich and often it is compared with Noravank. On the basis of similarities it can be assumed that the same master (masters) worked in these 2 monasteries. The only entrance to the church is from the west, and the high-relief of St. Mariam is one of the most prominent examples of Armenian medieval sculptural art.

Interesting

facts about Spitakavor St.Astvatsatsin Monastery

Facts

There is a grave of Armenian Great general Garegin Nzhdeh under the walls of the monastery. Armenians from all over the world come and make pilgrimages from the village of Vernashen to Spitakavor monastery in June 17 (the date of the tombstone).

In ancient times Spitakavor, Arkazi Surb Khach and the Tanade monasteries were communicating by fire light signals.

Weather in Vayots Dzor

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 Spitakavor St.Astvatzatzin Monastery depends on the weather conditions.