Amaras Monastery, Mountainous Shirvan Travel Guide

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Discover Amaras Monastery: A historic Armenian religious site and the birthplace of Armenian literacy, nestled in the heart of Artsakh.

Amaras Monastery, near Sos village, is a significant religious and educational center dating back to the 4th century. Founded by St. Gregory the Illuminator, it's where the Armenian alphabet was first taught. The current structure features a modest church, monastic cells, and defensive walls.

A brief summary to Amaras Monastery

Amaras Highway, AZ
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Know before you go

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

Explore the tomb of St. Grigoris located beneath the main altar; remember to bring a flashlight as the lighting is dim.
Walk along the fortified walls for panoramic views of the Artsakh Valley and surrounding mountains.
Visit the on-site museum to learn more about the history of the monastery and its importance to Armenian culture.

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Explore Amaras Monastery on the Map

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Getting There

Driving

Amaras Monastery is located near the village of Sos in the Martuni region. From Stepanakert, follow the main highway towards Martuni. Upon reaching Martuni, continue towards Sos. The monastery is a short drive from Sos, with clear signs marking the route. Note that road conditions can vary, so allow extra travel time. There are no specific tolls or parking fees.
Taxi

Taxis can be hired from major towns in the region, such as Stepanakert or Martuni, to reach Amaras Monastery. Agree on a fare before starting your journey. A taxi ride from Martuni to Amaras would typically cost around 1,500-2,500 AMD. Ensure the driver knows the exact location of the monastery.

Discover more about Amaras Monastery

Nestled in the valley between the Khazaz and Lusavorich mountains, near the village of Sos, the Amaras Monastery stands as a testament to Armenian faith and learning. Founded in the early 4th century by St. Gregory the Illuminator, the monastery holds a special place in Armenian history. It is believed that St. Grigoris, grandson of St. Gregory, completed the construction.Amaras is historically significant as the location where Mesrop Mashtots, creator of the Armenian alphabet, established the first school in Artsakh in the 5th century to spread literacy using his new script. For centuries, Amaras served as a major ecclesiastical center. The monastery complex has faced numerous destructions and restorations throughout its history, reflecting the resilience of the Armenian people.The present-day church, dedicated to St. Grigoris, was rebuilt in 1858 using white sandstone. Underneath the altar lies the tomb of St. Grigoris, a site of pilgrimage and architectural interest. The monastery complex is surrounded by high defensive walls with towers, reflecting its history as both a religious and strategic site. In the 19th century, it even served as a Russian imperial fortress and customs house. After periods of neglect, Amaras was re-consecrated in 1992 and continues to be a significant religious and cultural center, attracting pilgrims and tourists.