Vorotnavank

Region

Syunik

Distance from Yerevan

217.8 km

Type

Monastery/Church

Vorotnavank, also known as Vaghatin Monastery, is a notable example of the Syunik architectural school. Built in the 10th–11th centuries, it is located about two kilometers southeast of the village, on the edge of the Vorotan River gorge. The monastic complex includes three churches—St. Grigor, St. Stepanos, and St. Karapet—as well as a narthex, colonnades, guest quarters, auxiliary buildings, walls, and a cemetery. The structures are primarily built from local basalt and are arranged around a rectangular courtyard, mostly on the northern and eastern sides. The oldest church, St. Grigor, was, according to Stepanos Orbelian, originally founded by Gregory the Illuminator in the 4th century and later rebuilt by the hermit Father Stepanos. It is a single-nave structure and now lies in ruins. In its early days, it served as a pilgrimage site. St. Stepanos Church lies northeast of St. Grigor. It was built in 1000 AD by Queen Shahandukht, the wife of King Smbat of Syunik. It is a vaulted single-nave church with two eastern apses and an additional room along the northern wall. The narthex is attached to the west side of St. Stepanos and was built in the early 11th century. The adjoining colonnade extends along the southern side and is distinguished by a horseshoe-shaped arched opening. St. Karapet Church is located on the eastern side of the complex, southeast of St. Stepanos. It was built in 1007 by Sevada, son of Queen Shahandukht. It is a domed, cruciform church with three apses and a single entrance from the west. The dome was rebuilt in 1438 by Father Sargis of Angeghakot, but it collapsed during the 1931 earthquake. Parts of the frescoes inside have survived and were restored in 2011 by Belgian and Italian specialists. The complex is enclosed by walls on the east, west, and south, while the northern walls also served a defensive purpose. The most recent restoration work began in the 1980s and was completed in 2013.