Tatev Monastery

According to the records of the medieval historian Stepanos Orbelian, the first church of Tatev Monastery was built during the time of Gregory the Illuminator (IV century). It was a simple and modest building. The monastery became the seat of the Syunik bishopric around the end of the 8th century. Many valuable Christian relics were kept in the monastery.

According to the legend, during the invasion of Tamerlane, the Mongol commander decided to destroy Tatev monastery. But before introducing the legend it is worth mentioning an amazing monument located here: a stone “swinging pillar” of Ghavazan – a brilliant work of engineering, which once was capable of moving (swinging) at the slightest tremor of the earth. It is believed that this amazing pillar warned the inhabitants of the monastery about an earthquake or an approach of armed enemies in ancient times. So, according to the legend, Tamerlane first tried to destroy Ghavazan. He ordered to wind chains around the pillar and to harness a pair of buffaloes to knock it down. However, the chains immediately were ripped. Then angry Tamerlane decided to burn the monastery. But the fire damaged only the bells in the bell tower. Since then, the sound of the bells is a little distorted here.

The name “Tatev” is translated from Armenian as “give wings”. There are several options which explain the origin of this name. According to the first legend, the master who built the monastery, after finishing his work, went to the very edge of the gorge and said: “Hogin Surb ta tev” - “The Holy Spirit give wings!” After what he rushed down a steep cliff. The Holy Spirit gave the great master wings, so he could fly away safely. The second version of the name “Tatev” is associated with the name Eustateus, a disciple of St. Thaddeus the Apostle, who preached and was martyred in this region. He preached the Christianity in Armenia, and accepted martyrdom in this very place for his work. A church was built at the burial place of the saint in the 4th century. It was consecrated by Gregory the Illuminator. Even now, behind the old monastery walls you can see the ruins of that very first church.