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Sights of Armenia Gegharkunik
Vanevan Monastery
- RegionGegharkunik
- Distance from Yerevan91.6 km
- TypeMonastery/Church
Gegharkunik
About this place
The Vanevan Monastic Complex, founded in the 10th century, is located in the village of Artsvanist, in Gegharkunik Province.
The monastery was established in the early medieval period, and its main church, Saint Gregory the Illuminator, was built in 903 AD by Sparapet (Commander) Shapuh Bagratuni, under the patronage of his sister, Princess Mariam of Syunik. Inscriptions carved on the church walls state that Shapuh Bagratuni donated four villages and a mill to the monastic brotherhood established there.
The main church is built of rough basalt, while its arches and dome are made of tuff. The church features a quadruple-apse design, with twin side chambers to the east.
Interesting
facts about Vanevan Monastery
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King Smbat I Bagratuni, who died during the Arab invasion in 914, was buried in Vanevan.
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Gagik I Bagratuni, son of Ashot III the Merciful and future king, renovated the monastery and built a narthex in the 980s.
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In the 16th century, due to Turkic invasions, the village began to depopulate, and the monastery complex was abandoned along with it.
Weather in Gegharkunik
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 Vanevan Monastery depends on the weather conditions.
Vanevan Monastery
FAQ
What is Vanevan Monastery?
Vanevan is a monastic complex founded in the 10th century. Its main church is dedicated to Saint Gregory the Illuminator.
Where is Vanevan Monastery located?
The monastery stands in the village of Artsvanist, in Gegharkunik Province.
Who built the main church of Vanevan, and when?
The Church of Saint Gregory the Illuminator was built in 903 by Sparapet (Commander) Shapuh Bagratuni under the patronage of his sister, Princess Mariam of Syunik. Inscriptions carved on the church walls state that he donated four villages and a mill to the monastic brotherhood.
What does the main church of Vanevan look like?
The church is built of rough basalt, while its arches and dome are made of tuff. It has a four-apse plan with twin side chambers on the east.
What historical events are linked to Vanevan?
King Smbat I Bagratuni, who died during the Arab invasion in 914, was buried at Vanevan. In the 980s the future king Gagik I Bagratuni, son of Ashot III the Merciful, renovated the monastery and added a narthex. In the 16th century Turkic invasions emptied the village, and the monastery was abandoned along with it.
Gegharkunik
Plan your visit
Address
Gegharkunik Province Administration, Grigor Lusavorich Street, Гавар, Армения
Gegharkunik
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