Gndevank Monastery

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.

Leave No Trace

  • Plan ahead & be prepared
  • Dispose the waste properly
  • Leave what you find
  • Minimize campfire impacts
  • Respect the wildlife
  • Be considerate of other visitors

Roads conditions

It is winter time! Check out road conditions before heading to the road! Beware of the snow & ice layer!

Vanadzor - Alaverdi section of the M6 Interstate highway stretching from Yerevan to Georgian border is temporarily closed. You can use Vanadzor-Stepanavan-Odzun-Alaverdi bypassing road.

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