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Tsakhats Kar Monastery: A Medieval Armenian Treasure

Discover Tsakhats Kar: A 10th-century Armenian monastery with stunning architecture, serene landscapes, and a glimpse into the nation's rich history.

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Nestled in the Vayots Dzor province near Horbategh, Tsakhats Kar is a 10th-century Armenian monastery, a testament to the region's rich religious and architectural history. The complex, though partially ruined, features intricate stonework, khachkars, and stunning mountain views, offering a serene escape and a glimpse into Armenia's medieval past.

A brief summary to Tsakhats Kar

  • V9R3+3JR, Horbategh, AM

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain and exploring the monastery complex.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there are limited facilities near the monastery.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Smbataberd Fortress for a comprehensive historical experience.
  • Consider visiting between April and November for the best weather conditions.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Yerevan, head south on the M2 highway towards Yeghegnadzor. Continue for approximately 90 km. From Yeghegnadzor, take the H42 road towards Horbategh. After about 15 km, look for a sign for Tsakhats Kar and turn left onto a dirt road. The church is about 1 km down this road. Ensure your vehicle is suitable for unpaved roads.

  • Public Transport

    Take a minibus (marshrutka) from Yerevan to Yeghegnadzor, a journey of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. From Yeghegnadzor, hire a taxi or take a local bus to Horbategh. A taxi from Yeghegnadzor to Tsakhats Kar should cost around 3,000-5,000 AMD, but confirm the price before starting the ride. From Horbategh, it's a 4 km hike to Tsakhats Kar, taking roughly 1 hour.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the vicinity of Horbategh, you can hike to Tsakhats Kar. The hike is about 4 km and takes roughly 1 hour. Follow the local road (V9R3+3JR).

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Discover more about Tsakhats Kar

Tsakhats Kar Monastery, meaning “Blooming Stone,” is a captivating monastic complex located in Armenia's Vayots Dzor Province, near the village of Horbategh. Dating back to the 10th century, this historical site offers visitors a unique blend of architectural beauty and spiritual tranquility. Once an important educational center where people studied painting, the monastery's name may be linked to the Armenian term for 'flowered stone'. The monastery is divided into two distinct groups of structures, separated by about 200 meters. The western group, the older of the two, is characterized by its construction from rough-hewn basalt and includes the half-ruined churches of Surb Hovhannes (Saint John) and Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God). The eastern group, built in 1041, features the better-preserved Surb Karapet (Saint Karapet) church, known for its architectural clarity, and a two-story burial chapel, one of Armenia's earliest known structures of its kind. Visitors to Tsakhats Kar can explore the intricate carvings and khachkars (cross-stones) scattered throughout the complex. The image in St. Karapet church depicts a fight between a lion and a bull, as well as an eagle cradling a now-broken ram. The monastery's location on the foothills overlooking the Yeghegis River offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the nearby Smbataberd Fortress. The site likely served as a stronghold during turbulent times, guarding the capital of the Syunik principality. Despite the ravages of time, Tsakhats Kar remains a significant cultural and historical landmark, drawing visitors seeking to connect with Armenia's rich heritage and experience the serene beauty of its mountainous landscapes.

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