ARMENIA - Sevanavank

Sevanavank monastery is located in Gegharkunik Province, not far from the town of Sevan. Initially the monastery was built at the southern shore of a small island. After the artificial draining of Lake Sevan, which started in the era of Joseph Stalin, the water level fell about 20 metres, the island transformed into a peninsular.



Driving towards Sevanavank monastery.



The view of Lake Sevan as I climbed the staircase to reach Sevanavank monastery.



Some old khachkars (cross-stones) on my way to the hill top.



An artist displaying his work.



A renowned Admiral’s grave.



The peninsular was a religious centre even before the construction of Sevanavank monastery. Gregory the Illuminator built St. Karapet and St. Harutium on top of a pagan temple in 305. It is said the St. Harutium was ruined during an earthquake in 995.



The two churches, St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) on the left and St. Arakelots (Holy Apostle) on the right form the Sevanavank monastery.



Princess Mariam, the daughter of Ashot I, widowed while still young, resolved to commission 30 churches in memory of her husband. She agreed to to pay to reconstruct and enlarge the monastery, adding St. Astvatsatsin and St. Arakelots churches.



Some inscriptions dating back to the 9th century are still preserved on St. Arakelots.



Our guide, Tigran giving some explanation to me before we entered the church.



Entrance to the monastery.



The rules and regulation while in the monetary.



The wooden door of this church dates back to the 15th century.



The interior of St.Arakelots.



A khachkar inside the church.



St. Astvatsatsin used to preserve the most important gifts to the monastery, including 200 manuscripts, 400 printed books, jewellery, crosses and many other items.





Interior of St. Astvatsatsin.




The battle between Armenian forces led by Gevorg Marzpetuni and Arab army led by commander Bashir happened here. Completely surrounded by water, Sevanavank monastery made it a strategic shelter for Armenian King Ashot II. The battle was won by the Armenian forces that included both soldiers and monks.



A path that lead to the top of the hill.





The oldest church at the site is St Harutian established in the year 305. The church however is now in ruins



The ruined gavit. The gavit was originally decorated with wooden columns.



The presidential summer house can be seen on the other side of the peninsular.





It is of course guarded with steel fence that separates it from public access.





Legend has it that the King Ashot Erkat attacked the Arabs early in the morning when the sun was about to rise. The sun was behind the Armenian forces blinding the Arabs. The Armenians managed to win the battle, after which the lake was full of Arab soldiers. Because of the dead bodies and their uniforms, the lake looked black. Hence, the name Sevan.



Heading back down the hill.





Lake Sevan on both sides of the peninsular.





Beautiful view of Lake Sevan from the peninsular.









Walking back to the monastery.





Sevanavank is one of the most visited sights in Armenia.



Sat here while enjoying the view before leaving.



A couple enjoying the moment.



A stone sculptor displaying his work near the monastery.



The bird sculpture is rather beautiful but unfortunately it’s too heavy and fragile for me to buy it and take it home.



Took a photo with a souvenir vendor after we bought some key chains from her. She sure was friendly.