Saghmosavank, Lori Highlands Travel Guide

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Discover Saghmosavank Monastery: A medieval Armenian treasure with stunning views and rich spiritual history, perched above the Kasakh River gorge.

Perched dramatically on the edge of the Kasakh River gorge, Saghmosavank Monastery is a 13th-century Armenian Apostolic complex renowned for its spiritual significance and architectural beauty. The monastery, whose name translates to 'Monastery of the Psalms,' offers stunning views and a serene atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring Armenia's rich cultural heritage.

A brief summary to Saghmosavank

99JW+6M8, Saghmosavan, 0211, AM

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Saghmosavank.

Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on uneven stone surfaces.
Bring a camera to capture the stunning views of the Kasakh River gorge and surrounding mountains.
Visit in the late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
Explore the nearby Hovhannavank Monastery, another significant religious site in the region.

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Getting There

Taxi

From Yerevan, the most straightforward way to reach Saghmosavank is by taxi. A taxi ride will take approximately 35 minutes, covering around 33 kilometers. Expect to pay between 3,800 to 5,000 AMD for the trip.
Public Transport

To reach Saghmosavank by public transport from Yerevan, take minibus number 253 from the Southern Bus Station to Nor Hachn. From Nor Hachn, you will need to take a taxi to Saghmosavank. The minibus fare is around 500 AMD, and the taxi from Nor Hachn to Saghmosavank will cost approximately 2,000-3,000 AMD.

Discover more about Saghmosavank

Saghmosavank Monastery, meaning 'Monastery of the Psalms', is a captivating monastic complex located in the village of Saghmosavan, in Armenia's Aragatsotn Province. The monastery's history is intertwined with the early days of Christianity in Armenia, with some legends attributing its foundation to St. Gregory the Illuminator in the 4th century. According to this legend, St. Gregory saw the location from Mount Aragats and decided to build a church there, later teaching psalms to clergymen. However, historical records only mention Saghmosavank towards the end of the 12th century.The monastery complex primarily dates back to the 13th century when it was constructed by the Vachutyan princely family. The main church, known as Saint Zion (Surb Sion), was erected in 1215 by Prince Vache Vachutyan. The architectural style of Saint Zion is a cross-winged domed structure, typical of the period, featuring two-story annexes. The monastery complex also includes the Church of Saint Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God), built in 1235 by Prince Kurd Vachutyan, Vache's son, and a repository of manuscripts constructed in 1255. The repository served as a library and housed a collection of invaluable manuscripts.Saghmosavank's location on the edge of the deep Kasakh River gorge (200m) provides breathtaking panoramic views. From this vantage point, visitors can see Mount Ararat, Mount Aragats and Mount Ara. Over the centuries, Saghmosavank served as a significant spiritual, cultural, and educational center in medieval Armenia. A higher school operated within the monastery walls from the 13th century onwards. Although the monastery suffered damage over time, including a major earthquake in 1988, it has been renovated, allowing visitors to appreciate its exquisite architecture and historical importance.