Monastery in the remote mountain
[ Autumn, 2005 ] My Malaysian friend whom I met in the Armenian tour often says ‘ the journey to Tatev was terrible, wasn’t it’ even now. We were on the non paved road for…
Tatev
Tatev, a medieval monastery in the mountains of southern Armenia
Tatev is a small village in southern Armenia’s Syunik Province, best known for its remarkable medieval monastery. Standing on a rocky plateau overlooking the deep Vorotan River Gorge, the religious complex is surrounded by mountains and valleys that create one of the country’s most dramatic historic landscapes.
The Tatev Monastery played an important role in Armenia’s religious and cultural history. Founded in the ninth century, it developed into a major spiritual and educational centre. During the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries it was also home to the University of Tatev, one of medieval Armenia’s leading centres for the study of philosophy, religion, science and the arts.
Today, travelling to Tatev combines one of Armenia’s great monuments with an opportunity to experience the remote landscapes of Syunik, a mountainous region far removed from the atmosphere of the capital, Yerevan.
What to see in Tatev
The main attraction is the Tatev Monastery itself. The complex contains several historic structures, including the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, built between the ninth and tenth centuries, along with chapels, monastic buildings and defensive structures.
One of its most unusual features is the Gavazan, a medieval stone column designed to move or tilt before returning to its original position. Among the explanations for its purpose is its possible use in detecting movements of the ground.
A spectacular modern way to reach the monastery is aboard the Wings of Tatev, an aerial tramway crossing the Vorotan Gorge. The journey provides expansive views over the valley and surrounding mountains.
The wider area is also worth exploring for its mountain scenery, rural settlements and dramatic roads through southern Armenia.
When to visit Tatev
Late spring, summer and early autumn generally provide the best conditions for exploring Tatev and the mountainous Syunik region. Snow and winter weather can make travelling more difficult during the colder months.
Combining medieval history, Armenian spirituality and spectacular landscapes, Tatev is one of the most memorable destinations in southern Armenia.
