Ardvi village

location

Region

Lori

location

Distance from Yerevan

168.4 km

location

Type

Monastery/Church

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.

Interesting

facts about Ardvi village

Vanik
fact

Facts

fun-fact1
In front of the altar of the northern church of the monastery is the tomb of Hovhannes III Odznetsi, the 34th Catholicos of All Armenians — a renowned 8th-century theoogian and philosopher. His most notable work is the ""Canon Book of the Armenians"" (Kanonagirk' Hayots'), the first comprehensive compilation of national ecclesiastical law. The monastery also bears his name, being referred to as the second St. John the Philosopher.
fun-fact2
Several scenes of Sergei Parajanov’s acclaimed film ""The Color of Pomegranate"" were filmed at the monastery."
location

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 St. Hovhannes Monastery in Ardvi depends on the weather conditions.

Sights

near Ardvi village

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Snake’s Navel

0 km

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Horomayr Monastery

6 km

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Odzun Monastery

8 km

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Sanahin Monastic Complex

22 km

one-ik

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