Vahanavank monastery complex is located about 5 km south-west from Kapan, in Syunik province. Vahan, Prince Dzagik’s son, founded the monastery in 10th century. The monastery was called Vahanavank in his honor. The monastery complex consists of St. Gregory the Illuminator church, a narthex, a column hall and St. Astvatsatsin two-storey church. The church complex, the column hall and the courtyard were rebuilt in 1046 by Prince Grigor. Vahanavank is rich in inscriptions. The lithographs on many khachkars and gravestones testify the fact that Vahanavank was a royal pantheon.
The well-established transport infrastructure of Armenia allows to get to Vahanavank Monastery by a private car or with the help of various travel companies which offer regular excursions and tours to different sights of the country. Due to the geographical location of Vahanavank Monastery the trip will not seem long.
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 Vahanavank Monastery depends on the weather conditions.
The monastery complex was a famous cultural center. There was a school оn the territory of the monastery, which was attended by students from different parts of Syunik province. It was a really powerful monastic complex from a material point of view, with villages and large districts belonging to it.
About half a century ago (in 1966), excavations were carried out on the territory of the monastery complex Vahanavank (which by then was almost completely covered with earth). Restoration work began in 1969. The column hall was partially restored, the church of St. Gregory the Illuminator and the narthex, were fully restored during the restoration work in 2006–2009.
Remains of a large cemetery, ruins of a spring and residential buildings are preserved on the territory of the monument. All these trails indicate once existing large monastic complex.
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