Tatev Monastery

This ONE WAY Tour video is about Tatev Monastery, in the village of Tatev in Syunik Province. In the Middle Ages the monastery became a major centre of spiritual, cultural and political life. Its first structures were built in the 4th century, shortly after the Christianization of Armenia, and it was officially founded in 844 by Bishop David. The Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator followed in 848, and then the Church of Saints Peter and Paul (895–906), noted for its size, architectural design and rich interior decoration. In front of the church's southern entrance stands the Gavazan, a pillar that could sway thanks to its movable base. In the 9th to 11th centuries about 500 monks lived here, and the monastery's seminary later became a university. Watch the video, then visit Tatev Monastery on a tour with ONE WAY Tour.