The Great Hermitage of Tatev

The Great Hermitage of Tatev was built at the confluence of the Vorotan River and its Tatev tributary. The foundation of the new hermitage took place in the second half of the 17th century, following the devastating earthquake of 1658, which had completely destroyed the nearby Harants Hermitage of Halidzor. About two years later, in the 1660s, construction of the new complex began under the leadership of Catholicos Hakob IV of Julfa. During the planning phase, architects clearly followed the structural model of the former hermitage, maintaining its general layout. However, the buildings in the new complex were of a larger scale. The Great Hermitage of Tatev consists of two main components: a rectangular main enclosure with towers, and an adjoining auxiliary section to the south, with a rectangular-plan structure. The most notable structure of the complex is the Church of the Holy Mother of God, built in 1663 and located in the southwestern part of the hermitage. This triple-nave basilica is constructed of finely hewn basalt. In 1743, a narthex-hall was added to the western façade, commissioned by Melik Egan. On the northern side of the narthex is a small domed chapel-tomb. Remnants of monastic daily life are visible throughout the complex. Along the western and northern walls, 64 cells were built—some with two or three stories, each with its own door and window. The hermitage maintained a self-sufficient economic system, with well-developed gardening, viticulture, and winemaking.