Tatev Monastery

Tatev Monastery, Tatev, Tatev Armenian Monastery, Tatevivank

Armenia, Goris

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Categories: Story Goris, architecture Goris, religion Goris

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GPS: 39.3795, 46.2502

Tatev Monastery

Tatev Monastery, Tatev, Tatev Armenian Monastery, Tatevivank

Armenia, Goris

Tatev Monastery is located near the village of Tatev in the high-mountainous Syunik region, 20 km. from the city of Goris.
It was founded in the 9th century on the site of an ancient sanctuary. A strategically advantageous location - a sheer cliff above the gorge of the Vorotan River, made it possible to build a large defensive complex here. For some period, Tatev was also the political center of the Syunik principality.
The main church of the monastery complex is the Church of St. Poghos-Petros (Peter and Paul 895-906). To the right of the apse is the tomb of St. Grigor Tatevatsi - famous medieval scholar, rector of Tatev University, theologian and teacher. The university at the monastery was opened in 1373, and was the largest center of philosophical and scientific thought of the Middle Ages.
Next to the main temple is the previously built church of St. Grigor the Lusavorich (836-848), which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1139 and rebuilt at the end of the 13th century.
Among the unique works of architectural and engineering art is the Gavazan monument, erected in the 10th century in the center of the courtyard. It is also called "Vardapet staff". This is an octahedral pendulum made of small stones, 8 m high - the only building that has been completely preserved after numerous earthquakes. Due to the unique structure, at the slightest touch or vibration of the earth, it bends and returns to its original position.
The smallest of the three churches of the Tatev Monastery is the Church of Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God), dating from the 11th century.
Later, in the 17th and 18th centuries, a number of other buildings were built - a library, a theological seminary, a refectory with a kitchen. In the southern part there were living quarters - rector's quarters, cells of monks with balconies hanging directly over the abyss. Almost all structures were destroyed by an earthquake or the invasion of enemies, and were periodically restored. Currently, the monastery is open to tourists and travelers.

REVIEWS

All reviews (1)

Hotline_Karina

Traveled 17 years ago

Rating 10

Ancient monastery and cable car

The monastery can be reached by car or by small bus through the gorge. It is also possible by cable car. On October 16.2010, the Wings of Tatev ropeway was opened in Armenia. It stretches for 5.7 km over the deep and picturesque gorge of the Vorotan River and is considered the longest in the world. It connects two villages with one intermediate station: Halidzor and Tatev, located near the monastery. The maximum height is 360 m above the gorge, from where a magnificent landscape opens up. A one-way ticket costs 3.→

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