Dadivank

Dadivank is a monastic complex in Shahumyan region of Nagorno-Karabakh, which is located on the left bank of the river Tartar. According to legend, the monastery was built back in the 1st century, in the place of the grave of Dadi, a disciple of the Apostle Thaddaeus. The monastic complex is also called Khutavank, as it was built on a high hill (Khuth). Dadivank consists of the church of St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother), 2 chapels, 2 other ancient churches, two-story bell tower, khachkars (cross-stones) and the palace of the count Hasan Jalal. The church of St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother) was built by the countess of Haterk, Arzu Khatun, in 1234. She dedicated the construction of Dadivank to the memory of her sons who were killed during the war against the Mongols, Grigor and Hasan. This is a beautiful domed cruciform church, covered with frescoes of the 13th century. There are two-storey vestries in the four corners of the church. Dadivank was patrimonial cemetery of powerful count family Vakhtangyan of Artsakh.