Vahanavank monastery

Region

Syunik

Distance from Yerevan

311.2 km

Type

Monastery/Church

Vahanavank, one of the prominent monastic complexes of late medieval Syunik architecture, is located about 5 kilometers southwest of the town of Kapan, on the elevated right bank of the Voghji River, on the slopes of Mount Tigranasar. The monastery was founded in the 10th century by Prince Vahan, the son of Prince Dzagik of the Syunik province. The complex takes its name from him—Vahanavank, meaning “Monastery of Vahan.” The monastic complex includes several structures: the Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator (completed in 911), a narthex, a columned hall (mid-11th century), and the two-story Church of the Holy Mother of God (built in 1086). The main structures—the church, narthex, and columned hall—were rebuilt in 1046 by Prince Grigor, who was later recognized as King Grigor I of Syunik. The Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator is the central building of the complex. It is constructed from finely cut basalt and follows the domed hall architectural type, with a pair of interior pillars. South of the main complex, on a nearby hill, stands the two-story Church of the Holy Mother of God, built in 1086 according to an inscription, by Queen Shahandukht of Syunik and her sister Kata. This structure belongs to the category of two-story tomb-churches: the first floor houses a vaulted burial chamber, and a small single-nave church is built above it. The main parts of the structure are built of finely dressed basalt, while the western narthex is built from rough stones. Traces of an extensive cemetery, a spring, and residential buildings have also been preserved in the area. Archaeological excavations have been ongoing since 1966, led by G. Grigoryan. During the Soviet era and later between 2006–2009, restoration works were undertaken at the site. As a result, the Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator and its adjoining narthex were fully restored. The columned hall was partially rebuilt, and the Church of the Holy Mother of God was restored during the Soviet period.