Ardvi village

On the northwestern edge of the village of Ardvi in the Lori province stands the Surbanes Monastery, more commonly known as St. Hovhannes of Ardvi. The monastic complex consists of two barrel-vaulted churches, a bell tower, ecclesiastical and economic buildings, and a surrounding wall. The churches are constructed of small, irregularly cut andesite stones. The lower rows of the eastern wall are built from large polished stones, indicating ancient construction layers. The northern church is small, with a square prayer hall, while the southern hall contains tombstones in its floor. In the 13th century, a small hall was added to the western facade, and in the 17th century, a bell tower was added, consisting of a cubical base and a six-column rotunda. Near the monastery are the ruins of monastic cells and service buildings, and to the west is a medieval cemetery with beautifully carved khachkars (cross-stones). For centuries, this site has been a pilgrimage destination. In the 19th and 20th centuries, it was renovated through the efforts of Stepanos Taryan, Melikset Kalantaryan, and recently, benefactor Vahe Karapetyan.