The amazing Monastery of Tatev is located on a large basalt plateau near the Tatev village in Syunik Province of Armenia. Tatev is one of the four most wonderful places of Armenia with the monasteries of Sanahin, Noravank and Haghpat. In 900s, Tatev became the spiritual center of Syunik. As also, the Monastery played a significant role in the history of the region as a center of economic, politic and cultural activity.
There are many stories as to how the name for Tatev Monastery originated. One of which is that when the construction of the main church was completed, and it was time for placing the cross on the dome, one of the students prepared a cross, which corresponded to the church in its beauty. Then he attempted to secretly place it on the dome in the middle of the night. However, he did not manage to come down unnoticed by his master. When he saw his enraged master he threw himself into the abyss asking God for wings: “tal tev” in Armenian, which means “to give wings”.
At the end of the 11th century were built three churches.
The monument “Gavazan” is located in the yard of the complex and was erected in 904. The monument “Gavazan” is a unique exemplar of Armenian architectural and engineering art. This unique beauty has survived numerous invasions and earthquakes relatively unscathed.
The church of Saint Astvatsatsin is a small and beautiful church, which has very interesting design and is not typical of Armenian churches. Being a rare in Armenian architecture, the church dates back to the 11th century. The beautiful church of Saint Astvatsatsin represents a small two-story vertical structure with a nice wooden entrance door.
Tatev also was a very famous educational center. Firstly was built only a school and only then a university. The school was founded in the tenth century when the Church of Saint Paul-Peter was consecrated. Then was built a university, which remained the only functioning university in Eastern Armenia.
The monastery of Tatev fits in perfectly with the mountainous landscape around it. Here is located one of the nature wonders: ‘’Devil’s Bridge’’ or ‘’Satani kamurj’’ in Armenian. It is an amazing natural bridge hung on Vorotan River.
The visit to Tatev is always unforgettable for the tourists. Reaching Tatev Monastery might take long, but that is unforgettable trip for the whole life. Visitors especially like the new ropeway near the complex of Tatev monastery, which gives visitors a great opportunity to enjoy the whole majestic appearance of the complex and attractive rocks.