Background

Tegher Monastery: A Medieval Armenian Sanctuary

Discover the serene beauty of 13th-century Armenian architecture at Tegher Monastery, nestled on Mount Aragats with stunning valley views.

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Nestled on the slopes of Mount Aragats, Tegher Monastery is a 13th-century architectural gem built with dark basalt stone. Founded by Princess Mamakhatun, it offers a serene spiritual atmosphere and panoramic views of the Ararat Valley.

A brief summary to Tegher Monastery

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning to experience the monastery's tranquility and avoid crowds.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the monastery grounds and nearby trails.
  • Dress modestly to respect the religious customs of the site.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the main bus station in Aragatsotn, take a bus or minibus towards the village of Tegher. The fare is approximately 300 AMD. From the bus stop in Tegher, walk along Avan Road for about 10-15 minutes. The monastery will be on your left.

  • Car

    From the center of Aragatsotn, follow the H1 highway northwest until the turnoff for Avan Road. Turn left onto Avan Road and continue for approximately 5 km. You will see signs for Tegher Monastery. Free parking is available near the monastery.

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Discover more about Tegher Monastery

Tegher Monastery, also known as Tegheri Vank, is a captivating monastic complex dating back to the early 13th century. Located on the southeastern slopes of Mount Aragats, near the village of Tegher in the Aragatsotn Province of Armenia, the monastery stands as a testament to the country's rich medieval history and architectural prowess. The monastery was commissioned by Princess Mamakhatun, the wife of Prince Vache I Vachutian, as a tribute to her husband and a center for spiritual life. The architect Vardapet Aghbayrik, renowned for his work on other Armenian monasteries like Saghmosavank and Hovhannavank, designed Tegher Monastery. Construction began in 1213 with the main church, Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God), and concluded in 1232 with the addition of the narthex. The monastery is primarily constructed of dark gray basalt, giving it a unique and austere appearance compared to other Armenian churches that typically use reddish tuff stone. The complex comprises the Church of the Virgin Mary, a large narthex (gavit), and small chapels. The church features a cruciform plan and a dome, while the narthex, unusually large for Armenian monasteries, has two-story mausoleums and chapels in its northwestern and southeastern corners. Inside the churchyard is the grave of Princess Mamakhatun. Tegher Monastery is not only a historical and architectural landmark but also a place of tranquility and reflection. It offers stunning views of the Ararat Valley and the surrounding landscape, providing a serene environment for visitors. The monastery has undergone restoration efforts to preserve its medieval origins and continues to be under the care of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

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