Makaravank

Makaravank stands in forest on a slope above the Aghstev valley, three churches of the tenth to thirteenth centuries with a gavit, and its reputation rests on the carving: the interior of the 1205 church has an altar dais and walls worked with rosettes, birds, fish, geometric interlace and a figure sometimes read as a stonemason at work, more densely than almost anywhere else in the country. The stone is pink and green tufa, which makes the detail read well.

What you actually see

• The carved interior - rosettes, birds, fish and interlace worked across the 1205 church.
• The three churches - buildings from the tenth, eleventh and thirteenth centuries together.
• The gavit - the vaulted hall with carved capitals.
• The forest setting - beech and oak woodland on the slope around the walls.

When to go

May to October is the season; the road up is difficult in snow. Autumn in the Tavush forest is the best time of year. Midday light is needed to see the interior carving well.

Honest expectations

The road up from Achajur is steep and rough. The interiors are dim and the carving needs time and patience to pick out. The site can be locked outside daytime hours.

Nearby

Ijevan is west in the valley, and Lastiver is nearby above the town.