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Saint Grigor Lusavorich Church, Ohanavan

Discover a serene 14th-century Armenian church with ties to St. Gregory the Illuminator, offering history and views near Ohanavan.

Nestled near Ohanavan village, this small medieval church, also known as Anapat, is believed to have been founded by St. Gregory the Illuminator in the 4th century. Rebuilt in 1311, it offers a glimpse into Armenia's rich religious history.

A brief summary to Գրիգոր Լուսավորիչ

  • 89WR+H7H, Ohanavan, 0225, AM

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for the walk to the church, as the terrain can be uneven.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Hovhannavank Monastery for a fuller cultural experience.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities directly at the church site.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Yerevan, the most convenient way to reach the Saint Grigor Lusavorich Church is by taxi. Taxis are readily available in Yerevan and the ride to Ohanavan takes approximately 26 minutes. Use taxi apps like U Taxi, Taxi Viva, Taxi Transportation, or Noy Taxi. Expect to pay around $8-11 for the trip. From Ohanavan village, a short onward journey is needed to reach the church.

  • Public Transport

    Minibuses (or buses) travel directly from Yerevan's Central Bus Station (Kilikia) to Ohanavan, with a journey time of approximately 57 minutes. From the road intersection in Ohanavan, you will need to take a taxi or walk to the church. The cost of the minibus is minimal, likely a few hundred AMD. A taxi from the Ohanavan road intersection to the church should also be inexpensive.

  • Driving

    If driving from Yerevan, take the highway towards Ashtarak and then follow signs to Ohanavan. The drive is about 26 km and takes around 26 minutes. Free parking is available in Ohanavan. From the village, follow local roads towards the church. Note that the final section may be on unpaved roads. Daytime parking is available near the church.

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Discover more about Գրիգոր Լուսավորիչ

The Saint Grigor Lusavorich Church, often referred to as Anapat (meaning "desert" or "hermitage"), is a modest yet historically significant religious site located near the village of Ohanavan in Armenia. Perched on a high rocky promontory on the right bank of the Kasakh River gorge, north of Hovhannavank Monastery, the church provides a serene escape with panoramic views. According to local tradition, the church's origins trace back to the 4th century when Saint Gregory the Illuminator, the patron saint of Armenia, retreated to the Kasakh Gorge for hermitage after descending from Mount Aragats. However, the current structure dates back to 1311, as evidenced by a construction inscription on the western facade and the entrance. The inscription reveals that a priest named Astvatsatur, nicknamed Asnavor, built the church using his own funds, dedicating it to Saint Gregory the Illuminator. Asnavor's extensive construction activities are further documented in a 1324 inscription at the Karmravor Church of Ashtarak. The church itself is a small, single-nave vaulted structure with a rectangular layout. The interior features a semicircular apse in the eastern part, along with a small altar. Light enters the space through openings on the western, southern, and eastern facades. A baptistery is located on the northern wall. The church is constructed from gray, smoothly hewn tuff stones held together with lime mortar. Despite its modest size, the Saint Grigor Lusavorich Church offers a unique glimpse into Armenia's religious heritage and the life of Saint Gregory the Illuminator. Its secluded location and historical significance make it a worthwhile destination for those exploring the Aragatsotn region.

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