Gandzasar

The magnificent Gandzasar Monastery is the treasure of Mountainous Karabakh. Gandzasar Monastery is on the left side of Khachen River on top of a high hill (blur? te? mountain), in the North-Eastern part of the country.

Gandzasar Monastery was first mentioned by Armenian Catholicos Anania Mokatsi in the middle of the 10th century. In the 13th century in the place of the old monastery, the prince Hasan Jalal has built a new one. The construction, according to the tomb inscription of Hasan Jalal, took place from 1216 to 1238. The same is testified by the inscription preserved under the dome inside the monastery. The church was solemnly cealed on July 22, in 1240 on Vardavar day. According to Kirakos Gandzaketsi, a historiographer, 700 clergymen and others were present in the cealing ceremony. According to the story the head of Hovhannes Mkrtich (John the Baptist), which was brought from Cilician Armenia during one of the Crusades, is buried in the cemetery of the monastery. And this is why the monastery was named after Hovhannes Mkrtich (John the Baptist).

The Gandzasar Monastery is one of the majestic treasures of rich Armenian architectural heritage. The monastery required the use of the best talents, the humongous experience and centuries’ long traditions of Armenian architecture accumulated by the 13th century.

The Gandzasar Monastery has unique architectural-decorative solutions. The walls and the dome of the monastery are decorated by carvings picturing the crucifixion of Christ, Adam and Eve and other carvings including the bas-relief, of Khachen princes, holding the model of the monastery.

The monastery was heavily damaged during the military conflict of 1991-1994 by bombardments of Azerbaijani artillery and air force. During the air force attack of January 20, 1993, the main church of the monastery was heavily damaged. At present the renovation of the monastery is completed, the surrounding is amended and the magnificent monastery is ready to accept its new guests.