Vorotnavank
A tenth-century monastery on a spur above the Vorotan gorge, with a walled precinct and two churches.
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Vorotnavank stands on a narrow spur above the Vorotan gorge, founded at the end of the tenth century by Queen Shahandukht and extended by her son, with two churches, a gavit and a wall running round the edge of the rock. Earthquakes have damaged it repeatedly and restoration has been partial, which leaves it looking its age. The position is the thing: the ground falls away on three sides and the gorge runs below.
What you actually see
- The two churches - tenth and eleventh-century buildings within the walled precinct.
- The gavit - the vaulted hall between them, with carved detail surviving.
- The wall - the enclosure following the edge of the spur.
- The gorge - the Vorotan dropping away below the monastery on three sides.
When to go
May to October is the season. The site is open and unstaffed. Autumn colour in the gorge is the best time of year for the setting.
Honest expectations
Earthquake damage is visible and parts are propped or fenced. There is no interpretation and no facilities. The last stretch of road is rough.
Nearby
Sisian is west, and the Vorotan gorge runs down towards Tatev.
What to pack for Vorotnavank
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.