Sevanavank

As long ago as in 301 the Armenian king Tiridates III established monasteries and churches in the place of all the pagan temples of Armenia. Tiridates III and Gregory the Illuminator (Grigor Lusavorich) built the first two churches - the Church of St. Haroutyun and the Church of St. Karapet, in the place of a temple dedicated to the goddess Tsovinar, on the island of Sevan. Later, in the 9th century, the daughter of the King Ashot I Bagratuni and the countess of Syunik Mariam built here the churches St. Holly Mother (St. Astvatsatsin) and St. Arakelots in 874. The monastery of Sevan has witnessed many important historical events. It was here that the first and only sea battle in the Armenian reality, headed by Ashot II the Iron (Yerkat) was took place. At one time, here studied the honored figure of the Armenian culture and science Mkhitar Sebastatsi... Since the 15th century, a High School has functioned here. There have preserved many khachkars (cross-stones) and the remains of khachkars (cross-stones) in Sevanavank, which are notable by their special style and design. The preserved khachkar (cross-stone) "Amenaprkich" (Savior) is of particular attention. Such khachkars (cross-stones) like “Amenaprkich” preserved in Armenia are four in number. This is one of the unique masterpieces of the medieval Armenian stone craft.