Sevanavank Monastery, Lori Highlands Travel Guide

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Discover Sevanavank Monastery: a historic Armenian landmark with stunning lake views, medieval architecture, and a rich cultural heritage.

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Sevanavank Monastery

Perched on a peninsula overlooking the serene Lake Sevan, Sevanavank Monastery is a testament to Armenia's rich religious and architectural history. Founded in 874 AD, the monastery offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into the lives of monks who once inhabited this isolated island.

A brief summary to Sevanavank Monastery

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

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Wear comfortable shoes, as there are many steps to climb to reach the monastery.
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
Take your time to explore the khachkars (cross-stones) surrounding the churches, each with unique carvings.
Enjoy fresh fish from Lake Sevan at a nearby restaurant after your visit.
Combine your visit with other attractions around Lake Sevan, such as Hayravank Monastery or Noratus Cemetery.

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Explore Sevanavank Monastery on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Sevanavank Monastery, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Yerevan, take a minibus from the Northern Bus Station to Sevan town. Minibuses depart approximately every 20 minutes and cost around 500 AMD. From Sevan town, take a taxi to Sevanavank Monastery, which costs approximately 1000 AMD.
Taxi

From Yerevan, a taxi to Sevanavank Monastery takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes and costs between 7,000 and 15,000 AMD. Taxis are readily available in Yerevan and can be booked through various taxi services or ride-sharing apps.
Driving

From Yerevan, drive northeast on the M4 highway towards Sevan. The journey is approximately 68 km and takes around 55 minutes. Parking is available near the monastery, but it can be limited during peak season. Note that there may be a small parking fee.

Discover more about Sevanavank Monastery

Sevanavank Monastery, located on the northwestern shore of Lake Sevan, is one of Armenia's most iconic landmarks. Once an island, the monastery is now situated on a peninsula due to the artificial draining of Lake Sevan in the Soviet era. Founded in 305 AD by Saint Gregory the Illuminator, the site was originally home to a pagan temple.In 874 AD, Princess Mariam, daughter of King Ashot I, financed the construction of two churches: Surb Arakelots (Holy Apostles) and Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God). These churches, built from black tuff stone, gave the monastery its name, "Sevanavank" - the Black Monastery. The churches are cross-shaped buildings with intricate masonry, featuring cut stones, detailed drums, eaves, and arches. Inside Surb Arakelots, you can find a unique khachkar (cross-stone) depicting Jesus Christ with Mongol features, reflecting the artistic styles of the 12th and 13th centuries.Sevanavank was known for its strict monastic discipline, housing monks who had fallen out of favor. The monastery also served as a strategic stronghold, withstanding invasions throughout history. The monastery ceased to exist in 1930 when the last monk left. Today, Sevanavank is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its historical significance and panoramic views of Lake Sevan.