Hovhannavank and Saghmosavank, Alphabet monument, Amberd – Aragatsotn, Armenia

EXPERIENCE

Traditionally, the monastery was founded in the 4th century, when Gregory the Illuminator built the oldest building of the complex – one – nave basilica.

Saghmosavank monastery is located on the right bank of the Kasakh River, in the village of Saghmosavan. According to tradition, Saghmosavank was founded by Grigor Lusavorich (Grigory the Illuminator).

There is a medieval fortress Amberd on the southern slopes of the Mount Aragats, away from the hectic cities. It stands on the rocky cliff on the height of 2100 meters protected from two sides with deep gorges at the junction of rivers Amberd and Arkashen. This unique sight is located 50km from Yerevan. There is only one serpentine road leading to it that passes through mountains. That is why it is impossible to get there in winter when everything is covered in snow. The history of Amberd goes back to the 7th century when Armenian princes Kamsarakan started there construction of the fortress. With the time, a small outpost turned into a well-protected fortress. However, the Kamsarakans had to pass this strategic point to another Armenian noble family Pahlavuni, who made it their residence. The great commander Vagram Pahlavuni, who lived in the 11th century, ordered to fortify the complex of Amberd and build there a church later named in his honor – Vagramashen. Despite excellent protection of Amberd, it was invaded by Seljuks coming from Central Asia in the end of the 11th century. Later, in the 13th century, Mongols captured and destroyed this beautiful fortress. No later than a century, Amberd was reconstructed and served as an outpost for several hundreds of years, however today it has only its church preserved. The architecture of Amberd is simple.

HIGHLIGHTS

Stop 1. Hovhannavank monastery
Stop 2. Saghmosavank monastery
Stop 3. Alphabet monument
Stop 4. Amberd fortress

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