Book tickets at the best rates!

Makravank Monastery
Hrazdan and surrounding
Architecture,  Temples, Churches
Architecture, 
Temples, Churches

The Makravank monastery is the architectural landmark whose building started in the 10th century and finished in the 13th. Unlike many other ancient temples, it’s not only well preserved but also has been functioning as a religious center for the people of faith until now.

It won’t be an exaggeration to say that the Makravank Monastery is one of the most famous Middle-Age architectural landmarks, located in Hrazdan. Its main significance is the delicate stonework. The craftsmen created their bas-relieves and sculpture decorations meticulously, like jewelers.

While the monastery complex was being built, there was just a small village next to it. The construction lasted for three centuries, and within that time the village grew into a small town. During those years two churches, a forechurch and a chapel, were constructed in the Makravank in addition to the temple and monks’ houses. As time went by, a school and craft workshops appeared there too.

The most abundantly decorated building of the monastery complex is the church of the Holy Mother of God (Surb Astvatsatsin Church) built in 1204. In 1198 a wealthy resident began the erection of the church as he wanted to immortalize his dead parents and brothers. That is why he had their bas-relieves installed in front of entrances to the temple. In this way, every visitor could honor their memory.

The temple of the Holy Mother of God is worth visiting not only because of these installations. Another fascinating thing is a great number of unusual ornaments that include intertwined octangular stars and polyhedrons, the symbolic meaning of which remains a secret. There were also spectacular fresco paintings on the walls of the church. But, most importantly, this is the very place where a sun clock was installed. And it is still there today.
Nowadays, like many centuries ago, the monastery complex is in danger. The natural disasters, earthquakes and landslides, destroying hundreds of ancient buildings everywhere, are lurking in wait. That is why restoration and stabilizing works are being held in the monastery. Their goal is to preserve this architectural treasure for future generations.

Address: Makravank Monastery

Published by

Olga Semenova

All content and media files are published under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Rating based on 0 reviews
Favoured:
0
Already
6 images
of the Makravank Monastery
on 7toucans
See on the map

Book and buy tickets at the best rates!

Best hotels in Hrazdan!

We use cookies to improve our website and your experience when using it. Cookies used for the essential operation of this site have already been set.To find out more about the cookies we use and how to delete them, see our privacy policy including cookie use

 I accept cookies from this site.