Amaras Monastery, Karabakh Region Travel Guide

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Discover Amaras Monastery: a historic Armenian religious and educational center with roots stretching back to the 4th century.

Nestled near Sos village, the Amaras Monastery stands as a testament to Armenian Christianity and culture. Founded in the 4th century by St. Gregory the Illuminator, it later became home to the first school using the Armenian alphabet, established by Mesrop Mashtots in the 5th century. The monastery has been destroyed and rebuilt many times, but it remains a significant historical and religious site.

A brief summary to Amaras Monastery

Amaras Highway, AZ
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Amaras Monastery.

Explore the underground tomb of St. Grigoris located beneath the altar of the main church.
Walk along the defensive walls for panoramic views of the surrounding valley.
Visit the site to appreciate its role in the development of the Armenian alphabet and early education.

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Getting There

Walking

From the village of Sos, the monastery is a relatively short walk. Follow the main road out of the village towards the open fields. The monastery's walls are visible from a distance. The walk takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
Taxi

Taxis can be hired from major towns in the region. A taxi from Martuni to Amaras Monastery would cost approximately 1,500-2,500 AMD. Negotiate the price before starting the journey. The ride takes about 20-30 minutes.

Discover more about Amaras Monastery

Amaras Monastery, located near the village of Sos in the Martuni region, is a cherished historical and religious site with deep roots in Armenian history. According to historical accounts, St. Gregory the Illuminator founded the monastery in the early 4th century. His grandson, St. Grigoris, the first bishop of Artsakh, was buried here, further solidifying its importance.The 5th century marked a turning point when Mesrop Mashtots, the inventor of the Armenian alphabet, established the first school in Artsakh at Amaras, using his newly created script. This made the monastery a vital center for education and the spread of Armenian language and culture. The tomb of St. Grigoris lies beneath the altar of the main church, adding to the site's spiritual significance.Throughout its history, Amaras Monastery has faced numerous invasions and periods of destruction, including raids by Arabs, Mongols, and Tamerlane's forces. Despite these challenges, it was consistently restored, and its school continued to operate. In the 17th century, the monastery underwent significant reconstruction, including the building of strong defensive walls. In the 19th century, after Eastern Armenia was annexed by Russia, it briefly served as a fortress and customs house. The Armenian Apostolic Church reclaimed the monastery in 1848, and in 1858, a new church dedicated to St. Grigoris was constructed on the site of the old one.The monastery complex includes residential quarters, a refectory, and high defensive walls with fortified towers. Today, Amaras Monastery attracts pilgrims and tourists, drawn to its historical importance and religious significance.