Background

Tanahat Monastery: A Medieval Armenian Sanctuary

Discover Tanahat Monastery in Yeghegnadzor: a serene 8th-century Armenian sanctuary with stunning architecture, rich history, and spiritual significance.

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Nestled in the Vayots Dzor Province, Tanahat Monastery is an 8th-century spiritual and cultural landmark. Explore its ancient churches, admire the intricate carvings, and soak in the serene atmosphere of this historical treasure, also known as the Red Monastery.

A brief summary to Tanahat Monastery

  • 1 Shahumyan Street, Yeghegnadzor, 3601, AM

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the uneven terrain around the monastery.
  • Bring water and snacks as there are limited facilities near the monastery.
  • Consider visiting during sunset to see the monastery glow with the warm, reddish hues of the stone.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From the center of Yeghegnadzor, taxis are readily available. Negotiate the fare beforehand or ensure the driver uses a meter. The drive to Tanahat Monastery takes approximately 15 minutes. A typical taxi fare from Yeghegnadzor to Tanahat Monastery costs around 1200 AMD to 2000 AMD.

  • Public Transport

    Take a marshrutka (minibus) from Yeghegnadzor to the village of Vernashen. From Vernashen, it's approximately a 7 km hike to the monastery. Marshrutkas to Vernashen are infrequent; check the schedule at the Yeghegnadzor bus station. The marshrutka fare is around 100 AMD. From Vernashen, you can also hire a local taxi for the remaining distance to the monastery, negotiate the price beforehand.

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Discover more about Tanahat Monastery

Tanahat Monastery, also known as Karmir Monastery (Red Monastery) due to the reddish stones used in its construction, is a captivating historical and religious site located 7 km southeast of Vernashen village in Armenia's Vayots Dzor Province. Founded in the 8th century on the site of a pagan temple dedicated to the goddess Anahit, the monastery evolved into an important cultural center during the Middle Ages. The monastery complex features two main churches: Surb Stepanos (St. Stephen), constructed between 1273 and 1279 under the patronage of the Proshian princely family, and the 13th-century Surb Nshan (Holy Sign) Church. St. Stephen's Church boasts a cruciform interior and a unique exterior with a slender, 12-facet drum and a tent-roof spire. The southern wall features the Proshian emblem: an eagle clutching a lamb in its talons. The Surb Nshan Church displays a bas-relief carving above its entry, depicting a hunting scene. The monastery also features khachkars (cross-stones) and tombstones from the 13th-16th centuries. Tanahat Monastery may have housed Gladzor University, one of Armenia's most significant educational centers in the late 13th century. Here, students studied theology, logic, geometry, astronomy, and other sciences. The site is partially restored and continues to attract visitors with its historical significance, architectural beauty, and tranquil ambiance.

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