Gndevank Monastery

If you’re on your way to the city of Jermuk to visit their resorts and spas or on your way down to Tatev Monastery consider making a slight detour to visit a 1,000+ years old monastery nestled away in the canyons of the Vayots Dzor region. Armenia was the first nation to accept Christianity so it’s only natural that churches and monasteries were built anywhere and everywhere in Armenia. Scenic mountains surround the ancient monastery of Gndevank and the landscapes around it are amazing. The monastery itself is located on the Vayk-Jermuk road next to the Arpa River and to Gndevaz village.

According to the historian Stepanos Orbelian, Princess Sephia of Syunik built Gndevank Monastery in 936 AD. The Gndevank princess built because “Vayots Dzor was a ring without a jewel but I built this monastery as the jewel for the ring”. It served as a cloister for hermits and named after one them, Soupan Gndouni. The construction process was headed by a priest named Yeghishe who was also known as a painter. Gndevank translates as Round Cathedral and is a great place to hike, go fishing, camp, or have a picnic afterwards. Despite its age the monastery is still in relatively good condition. The monks there are slowly making their renovations.

In 1604 AD, Gndevank was destroyed by the Persian Shah Abbas. In 1691 the monastery was rebuilt on the orders of Abbot Petros. He fortified the monastery by building high walls around the monastery as well as dwelling rooms and utility structures. To get to Gndevank Monastery I took the old Jermuk road since it was more scenic. Unfortunately, the road is not in great condition so prepare for a bumpy ride. Victim to landslides, be prepared to see large rocks and the occasional boulder in the road too. Look for a turnoff over a little bridge since it’s not well marked.

As you walk up the path to the entrance the high walls will greet you and you can see the ruins of buildings that used to be there. The church was dedicated to St. Stephen and next to an old and large walnut tree. It was in the form of a cross dome of four apses, with a circular tamour over a cupola. There are also four altars in the church. Near the entrance, you can also see some ancient khachkars, (cross stones) which were made between the 9th-17th centuries. Towards the end of the church you’ll be able to access the views from the top of the high walls. Proceed with caution because the monks are harvesting bee honey there. The sites are worth it though. If you’re feeling adventurous there are tunnels that will get you to different levels inside the high fortress walls. Rumor has it there is a tunnel that will take you down to the river too,

Happy traveling!