Spitakavor Monastery: A White Jewel in Vayots Dzor

Spitakavor Monastery, whose name translates to “White Monastery”, is a cultural and spiritual center located roughly 7 kilometers north of Vernashen village, in Armenia's Vayots Dzor Province. The monastery owes its existence to the Proshyan dynasty, with Prince Eachi initiating construction in the 14th century. After his death in 1318, his son Prince Amir Hasan II completed the church in 1321. The white felsite stone used to construct the monastery gives it a unique appearance and its name. The monastery complex includes the Church of the Holy Mother of God (Spitakavor Surp Astvatsatsin), a narthex (gavit), and a three-story bell tower. The church exemplifies Armenian medieval architecture, adorned with high relief sculptures depicting spiritual and secular themes. Inside, you'll find intricate carvings, including a tympanum carving of St. Mary with the Christ child. The bell tower, added in 1330 by Hovhannes Proshian and his wife Tadzna, stands attached to the western wall of the narthex. Spitakavor Monastery was once an important cultural, educational, and spiritual hub. After Gladzor University ceased operations, Spitakavor became the cultural center for the Proshyan lands, housing a calligraphy center in the 15th century. The monastery also holds the grave of Garegin Nzhdeh, a prominent Armenian military and political figure, whose remains were secretly buried here in 1987. Today, Spitakavor Monastery attracts tourists and pilgrims who seek to experience the natural beauty and spiritual essence of medieval Armenian monastic life.