Private Tour to Tsaghkadzor, Kecharis Monastery, Lake Sevan, Sevanavank

It is noteworthy not only with architectural originality, but also with its interesting story. His formation lasted 220 years, with over 150 years of interruption. Such fate was due to the peculiarities of the historical period. The construction of the monastery began during the reign of the Bagratuni dynasty, and continued by the Pahlavuni dynasty. The first church in the area of Kecharis monastic complex, St. Gregory the Illuminator, was built in 995-1003, and then other sacred places were built. The Kecharis monastery includes three churches, St. Gregory the Illuminator with a domed hall, St. Nshan and St. Cathoghike churches, two chapels and a courtyard. A little further to the west, on the way to the forest there is another church – St Harutiun. Unlike similar monasteries of Armenia, Kecharis’ main structures form a straight corner on their own pillars.

Lake Sevan – located at an altitude of 1,900 m above sea level in the center of the Armenian highland, 63 km northeast of the Armenian capital of Yerevan city and is the largest of the Caucasus lakes. From all sides, Sevan is surrounded by mountain ranges, offering a stunning view of alpine lake.. The lake is famous for its purest fresh water, and pure mountain air has a beneficial effect on health.

In 305, it was founded by St. Gregory the Illuminator, who built the church on the place of a pagan temple. In the 9th century the princes of Syunik made Sevan a point of their suppurt. In 874 the wife of the Syunik prince Vassak and the daughter of the king Ashot Bagratuni – Mariam built here two churches – St. Arakeloc and St. Astvatcatcin. They are rich in various wood-carved capitals, a aprt of which is kept in the Armenia State Museum of History and in the Art Gallery of St. Petersburg (Hermitage). In 1869 a spiritual school opened in the complex. On the top of the mountain of the island the remnants of the church with a domed hall are preserved. The teritory of the cloister is rich in khachqars (cross-stones).

It has been functioning since 1967. From the height of 2819 m, where the speedy chairlift will take you in 32 minutes, all of Armenia is visible at a glance, and if weather is clear, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Mount Ararat. In 2004 the former ropeway was replaced with a new, modern one, also in 2017 important investments were made. Now the ropeway is well equipped, the active and safe rest for tourists is guaranteed.