Homepage Sights of Armenia Vanevan Monastery

Vanevan Monastery

Region

Gegharkunik

Distance from Yerevan

91.6 km

Type

Monastery/Church

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

Facts

King Smbat I Bagratuni, who died during the Arab invasion in 914, was buried in Vanevan.

Gagik I Bagratuni, son of Ashot III the Merciful and future king, renovated the monastery and built a narthex in the 980s.

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.

Sights

near Vanevan Monastery

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Berdkunk Fortress

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Azhdahak Mountain

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Noratus (Cross-Stones)

6 km