Hnevank Monastery: A Medieval Sanctuary

4.9 (87)

Discover Hnevank Monastery, a serene 7th-12th century Armenian Apostolic sanctuary nestled in Lori's breathtaking Dzoraget River gorge.

Home
Armenia
Lori
Hnevank

Nestled in the Lori Province of Armenia, near the village of Kurtan, Hnevank Monastery is a captivating monastic complex dating back to the 7th-12th centuries. Perched on a hill within a gorge where the Dzoraget and Gargar rivers converge, it offers a serene escape and a glimpse into Armenia's rich religious history.

A brief summary to Hnevank

XH3M+5JF, H24, Kurtan, AM

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Wear comfortable shoes, as reaching the monastery involves some walking, potentially uphill, depending on your approach.
Bring water and snacks, especially if you plan to hike to the monastery, as there are limited facilities nearby.
Consider visiting during the warmer months (April-November) to avoid potentially challenging road conditions.
Combine your visit with other attractions in the Lori region, such as the monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat, or the Lori Berd fortress.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Arevatsag Canyon

Discover the Majestic Arevatsag Canyon

Tufenkian Avan Dzoraget Hotel

Tufenkian Avan Dzoraget Hotel: A Serene Retreat in Armenia's Heart

Hovhannes Tumanyan House-Museum

Explore the Hovhannes Tumanyan House-Museum: A Literary Gem in Armenia

Getting There

Walking

From the village of Kurtan, follow the signs towards Hnevank Monastery. The walk is approximately 1 km uphill and should take around 20 minutes. The path is well-trodden, offering scenic views of the surrounding gorge.
Taxi

From the center of Kurtan, a local taxi can be hired to take you to Hnevank Monastery. The cost is approximately 1000-1500 AMD. The ride is short, but saves you an uphill walk.
Public Transport

From Vanadzor, take a minibus to the village of Kurtan. From Kurtan's main stop, you can either walk 1 km uphill to the monastery or hire a local taxi for approximately 1000-1500 AMD. Minibus fare from Vanadzor to Kurtan is approximately 200-300 AMD.

Discover more about Hnevank

Hnevank, meaning "Old Monastery" in Armenian, is a historical and architectural treasure located in the Lori region. The monastery's origins trace back to the 7th century, with subsequent expansions and renovations continuing through the 12th century. The complex is strategically positioned on a hill within a dramatic gorge, at the meeting point of the Dzoraget and Gargar rivers, creating a stunning natural backdrop for this spiritual site.The monastery complex originally comprised three churches, a gavit (a type of narthex or entrance hall common in Armenian churches), residential quarters, and various ancillary buildings. The main church, believed to have been constructed in the 7th century, exhibits a unique architectural design, featuring a rectangular exterior and a cross-shaped interior. Its dome boasts an octagonal drum adorned with sculpted arches. A notable Georgian inscription on the dome indicates that the church underwent restoration in 1154, sponsored by Smbat Orbelyan.Today, visitors can explore the partially ruined complex, which offers a glimpse into Armenia's medieval past. While some structures have been lost to time, the main church has been recently renovated, including the complete restoration of its dome. The absence of Khachkars (Armenian cross-stones) is a unique feature, suggesting the monastery maintained Chalcedonian affiliations for an extended period. Hiking trails from nearby villages such as Kurtan, Dzoragyugh and Tsater provide access to the monastery, rewarding hikers with breathtaking views of the gorge.