Hovhannavank

Hovhannavank is located in the territory of the village Hovhannavan of Aragatsotni Marz (region), on the raised part of the left bank of the river Kasakh. The monastery is located near the four thousand years old cyclopean fortress and the present-day territory of the monastery was once surrounded by the mighty fortress of Vachutyan count house that distinguished with strong fences and seven towers. The monastic complex is constructed on the basis of a pagan temple, where Grigor Lusavorich (Gregory the Illuminator) founded the Church of St. Hovhannes Mkrtich or St. Karapet in the 4th century. The main church of St. Karapet is adjacent to the single-nave basilica church on the southern side. It was built by the count Vache Vachutyan in 1216-1221, the construction works were completed by his son Kurd. The narthex-chapel, adjacent to the main church and the basilica on the west side, was built by Kurd Vachutyan, in 1250. These are the most distinguished structures of the 13th century by their architectural features and solutions. Both on the external and the internal walls of Hovhannavank there are inscribed for about 100 genealogical (especially about Vachutyan counts) constructional and dedicatory inscriptions. The manuscripting center of Hovhannavank is one of the oldest cultural centers of the Ayrarat country. The calendar art, philosophy and music have also been studied in the school of Hovhanavank since the end of the XVI century. About 20 manuscripts that have come to us from Hovhanavank are stored in the Matenadaran after Mesrop Mashtots. In the 13th century, Hovhannavank was the residence of the bishop and the center of the Diocese of Amberd.