Saghmosavank

Saghmosavank is located in the village Saghmosavan of Aragatsotni Marz (region), on the right elevated side of the gorge of Kasakh River, 17 km to the north from Yerevan. The monastic complex was built on the place of the cyclopean fortress and the pagan temple of Vahagn, which formerly stood there. There is a beautiful view of the Kasakh gorge and the mountain Ara ler... According to the legends, the first church of Saghmosavank built Grigor Lusavorich (Gregory the Illuminator) back in the 4th century. Now the monastic complex consists of the churches of St. Sion, St. Astvatsatsin (Holly Mother), the narthex (gavit) and the library. In 1215, the count Vache Vachutyan built here the Church of St. Sion. Outside the church is rectangular, and inside it is cruciform, with the central dome and the two-storey vestries in the corners. The son of Vache Vachutyan, Kurd Vachutyan built there a library in 1255. It is different from the other libraries of the era by its structure. It has an altar in the eastern side, and there are niches in the walls. The only entrance is on the west side. Later Vache Vachutn built four-column narthex (gavit), which is adjacent to the church. The roof system of the narthex (gavit) is noteworthy. It is a rare example of the Armenian architecture. The church of St. Astvatsatsin (Holly Mother) is located to the south of the church of St. Sion and is adjacent to the eastern wall of the library. It was built in 1235. This is a vaulted building with the semicircular eastern altar and the rectangular layout. Since the 13th century, a High School functioned there. Many famous Armenian scientists worked in Saghmosavank. It was a major center of rewriting of ancient manuscripts. Some of the written and copied manuscripts here have preserved. The monastic complex has extraordinary acoustics, and perhaps this is the reason of its name: Saghmosneri Vank (the monastery of hymnals).