Hovhannavank

Hovhannavank stands on the same gorge as Saghmosavank a few kilometres downstream, and its interest is the span: a single-nave basilica from the fifth century is attached to a domed church of 1216, so two very different phases of Armenian building sit against each other. The gavit has a carved tympanum showing the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, which is among the better-known pieces of medieval Armenian relief.

History

The oldest part, the single-nave basilica of St Karapet, is held to have been founded by St Gregory the Enlightener early in the 4th century; its wooden roof was replaced in 554, and it was thoroughly renovated between 1652 and 1734. Prince Vache Vachutian paid for the cathedral, built from 1216 to 1221, whose carvings include the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, his son Kurt added a gavit in 1250 with a rotunda of 1274, and from the 12th to the 17th century it was an important centre of learning with a scriptorium; the historian Zakaria Kanakertsi, who spent his whole life here, described it in 1686 (Wikipedia, Hovhannavank).

What you'll find

• The fifth-century basilica - the oldest surviving part, attached to the later church.
• The 1216 church - the domed main building with carved portals.
• The tympanum - a relief of the wise and foolish virgins over the gavit door.
• The gorge - the Kasagh canyon dropping below the monastery terrace.

When to go

April to November is best. Morning light falls well on the carved portals. The gorge is at its greenest in late spring.

What to expect

Earthquake damage in 1988 required substantial restoration and some of what stands is rebuilt. The site is small, half an hour is enough. The village around it is ordinary.

Nearby

Saghmosavank is upstream on the same gorge, and Ashtarak is a short drive south.

Key facts