Foundation: 10th century
Location: Vayots Dzor Province, 10 km south-west of Jermuk
Distance from Yerevan: 160km / 3 hours
Gndevank (Round cathedral) is located on the right side of Vayk-Jermuk old highway, on the left bank of Arpa River. It takes a 1.5 km hike to get to the Monastery. It was built in the 10th century by Princess Sophia of Syunik.
The complex:
- St. Stepanos church, a cruciform domed church with four altars, was built between 931-936. It was decorated with wall paintings, of which only the portrait of Jesus Christ on the altar wall and the painting of Mother Mary on the northern annexed wall survived.
- The gavit was built in 999 for Abbot Christopher.
- The walls, houses and industrial buildings were built in 1691 by Abbot Petros who also renovated the Church and the gavit. Further renovations were done during 1965 and 1969.
- Khachkars (cross stones) and tombstones.
