Sevanavank Monastery: A Medieval Gem on Lake Sevan

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Explore a medieval monastery with stunning lake views. Discover Armenia's rich history and breathtaking scenery at Sevanavank Monastery.

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Sevanavank

Perched on a peninsula overlooking the vast Lake Sevan, Sevanavank Monastery is a stunning complex of medieval Armenian churches. Founded in the 9th century, it offers a glimpse into Armenia's rich religious history and breathtaking panoramic views.

A brief summary to Sevanavank

H276+GCV, Sevan, AM

Monday 9 am-8 pm
Tuesday 9 am-8 pm
Wednesday 9 am-8 pm
Thursday 9 am-8 pm
Friday 9 am-8 pm
Saturday 9 am-8 pm
Sunday 9 am-8 pm

Local tips

Wear comfortable shoes for the climb up the steep stone staircase to the monastery.
Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
Dress modestly when entering the churches (shoulders and legs covered).
Bring a jacket, as the weather at Lake Sevan can be unpredictable.
Purchase candles inside the church for a fairer price than from vendors outside.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Yerevan, take a minibus (marshrutka) from the Northern Bus Station to Sevan town. The bus ticket costs around 500 AMD. From Sevan town, take a taxi to Sevanavank Monastery, which costs approximately 1000 AMD. Alternatively, a train from Almast railway station to Sevan town costs 500-1000 AMD. Then take a taxi to the monastery for around 1000 AMD.
Taxi

A taxi from Yerevan to Sevanavank Monastery takes about 1 hour and costs approximately 7,000-15,000 AMD. From Sevan city center, a taxi to the monastery will be significantly cheaper, around 1000 AMD.
Walking

Once you arrive at the base of the peninsula, a stone staircase of 230 steps leads up to the monastery complex. There is no fee to enter the monastery grounds.

Discover more about Sevanavank

Sevanavank Monastery, located on the Sevan Peninsula, is one of Armenia's most recognizable historical and cultural monuments. The monastery's location is truly captivating, offering panoramic views of the azure Lake Sevan. Founded in 305 by Gregory the Illuminator, the monastery was expanded in the 9th century by Princess Mariam, daughter of King Ashot I Bagratuni. She built two churches, Surb Arakelots (Holy Apostles) and Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God), in 874. The strategic location of the monastery made it a key defensive site, famously sheltering King Ashot II during a battle against Arab forces. Today, only Surb Arakelots and Surb Astvatsatsin remain, showcasing classic Armenian ecclesiastical architecture with their black tuff stone construction, intricate carvings, and distinct drums and arches. Numerous khachkars (cross-stones) are scattered around the site, reflecting the skill of Armenian monks. The monastery ceased to exist after the last monk left in 1930 but was later restored in the 1950s. Visitors can explore the churches, admire the khachkars, and enjoy the stunning views of Lake Sevan. A climb up a stone staircase is required to reach the monastery, and it's said that ascending three times equals a pilgrimage to Mecca.

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