Spitakavor Holy Mother of God Church

Region

Vayots Dzor

Distance from Yerevan

138.4 km

Type

Monastery/Church

"Spitakavor Monastery, also known as Spitakavor Holy Mother of God, was built in the 14th century and was named after the white limestone from which the monastery complex was built. The foundation and construction of the monastery are associated with Prince Eachi. During the Middle Ages, the monastery was an important spiritual center as well as a pilgrimage site, attracting visitors from various regions. The complex includes the main church, Holy Mother of God, a narthex, and monastic cells, which were presumably used as living quarters for monks. The Holy Mother of God Church is a domed structure, while the adjacent narthex stands out with its unique medieval Armenian architectural features. There are also khachkars (cross-stones) on the territory of the monastery, on which various ornaments and inscriptions are carved, telling about the history of the monastery. Spitakavor Monastery was highly respected among medieval Armenian nobility, and over the centuries, it has been renovated and restored multiple times. The monastery's location is exceptionally beautiful, situated in a picturesque mountainous region, offering breathtaking views of the Vayots Dzor landscape. During the autumn season, the surrounding forests take on golden hues, adding a more mystical atmosphere to the monastery. Today, Spitakavor Monastery remains not only a historical and cultural landmark but also a beloved destination for tourists and pilgrims, who visit to experience both the natural beauty and the spiritual essence of medieval Armenian monastic life."