Geghardavank

Geghardavank, a masterpiece of Armenian architecture, is located in the Kotayk Marz (region), 35 km to the east of the city of Yerevan. The name of Geghardavanq is related to the fact, that according to the legend, the spear by which crucified Jesus was wounded has been preserved here for centuries throughout. In the medieval sources the monastery is also mentioned as Ayrivanq. Many people connect the definition of the word with the word grotto, as there, indeed, are churches of cave and grotto curved. But the name Ayrivanq can also have another origin: habitation or abode of brave people. And considering the fact that in the area of Geghardavank were once several pagan temples and according to the ancient Armenian beliefs, Armenia was the ancestral home of the brave tribes, this definition is much more reasonable. And indeed, in Ayrivank symbols and structures symbolizing the cult of the gods of Armenian mythology - Vahagn, Anahit, Tsovinar, Tir, Mihr, are still preserved. In any case, the church was founded in Geghard in the early fourth century, immediately after the official adoption of Christianity. Geghardavank was one of the largest spiritual, cultural and scientific centers of Medieval Armenia. The monastery got its present view in the 12-13th centuries, when the kings Zakaryans and their subordinate counts Vachutyans built the complex. The preserved ancient monument is the 12th century chapel, which is located outside the fences, in the west side. The main group of monuments has been formed in the 13th century, which includes the main church (Katohike), courtyard, cave curved two churches, chapel – mausoleum, cells, covered in the 17th century fence. Geghardavank is a special construction of cave curved among the stone carved monuments of Armenia. Next to the main church, on the different heights of the northern huge rock, there is carved a group of monuments: two small churches, one porch (above) and colonnade chapel - mausoleum (in the bottom). Surrounding the monastery there are many beautiful khachkars (stone with a carved image of the cross and cave cells. Armenian historiographers of the Middle Ages handed down many beautiful and interesting legends to us, associated with the history and buildings of the Geghardavank. And even now many famous experts consider Geghardavank to be the eighth wonder of the world…