Spitakavor Monastery: A White Jewel in Vayots Dzor

Spitakavor Monastery, meaning "White Monastery" in Armenian, is a captivating monastic complex located 7 kilometers north of Vernashen village in Armenia's Vayots Dzor Province. The monastery, also referred to as Tsakhkavank, is perched on a slope amidst deep ravines, with the fortress of Proshaberd watching from a nearby mountain crest.The monastery's history dates back to the 14th century during the Zakarid Armenia period when it was constructed by Princes Eachi and Amir Hasan II from the Proshyan dynasty. The Church of Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God), the complex's main monument, was built using polished white felsite stone, lending the monastery its name. The architectural design includes a domed hall with a cruciform interior and intricate bas-reliefs depicting spiritual and secular scenes.Over the centuries, Spitakavor Monastery served as an important spiritual, cultural, and educational center. Although it faced attacks and destruction, including the destruction of its walls and gavit (narthex), it remained active until the 17th century. Today, visitors can explore the church, gavit, and the three-story bell tower added in 1330. The courtyard also contains ruins of monastic cells and defensive walls. The grave of Garegin Nzhdeh, a prominent Armenian military and political figure, is located in the monastery yard, making it a pilgrimage site for Armenians.