Kecharis Monastery

Kecharis is one of the largest and most significant medieval monastery complexes in Armenia, located in a picturesque valley at the foot of the mountains near the Tsakhkadzor resort, Aragatsotn Province. The monastery is famous not only for its architecture but also for its cultural, educational, and spiritual importance.

History of the Monastery

Kecharis Monastery was founded in the 10th–11th centuries, though most of its main buildings date from the 11th–13th centuries. Its construction and development were supported by the Zakaryan dynasty and other local feudal lords.

Over the centuries, Kecharis endured numerous destructions, including invasions by the Seljuks and Mongols, as well as earthquakes. Nevertheless, thanks to restoration efforts and the care of Armenian monks, the complex has retained its historical and architectural appearance and continues to function as a religious center.

Architecture

The Kecharis complex consists of several churches, gavit-peristyles (halls), a bell tower, and monks’ cells. The main church is Surp Grigor Lusavorich, built in a cruciform shape with a dome.

The monastery’s architecture reflects classic Armenian style: strict lines, harmonious proportions, and minimal decorative elements. Particularly valuable are the carved stone details, khachkars embedded in the facades and grounds, as well as frescoes and inscriptions that have survived since the 11th century.

Education and Culture

Kecharis was an important educational center in medieval Armenia. The monastery housed a school and a scriptorium, where manuscripts were copied and illustrated, and subjects like languages, theology, philosophy, and music were studied.

It attracted students and scholars from various regions, helping spread knowledge and spiritual enlightenment. Its cultural significance was so great that Kecharis was considered one of Armenia’s intellectual centers of the time.

Tourism and Modern Significance

Today, Kecharis functions as an active monastery and a popular tourist destination.

Visitors can admire the architectural beauty of the churches, unique stone carvings, khachkars, frescoes, and the majestic surrounding nature — the picturesque valley and mountain ranges of Aragatsotn.

The monastery remains a pilgrimage site as well as an important part of the country’s historical and cultural heritage.

Interesting Facts

• Kecharis is called the “Pearl of Tsakhkadzor” for its scenic location in a mountain valley.
• The monastery preserves khachkars and frescoes from the 11th–13th centuries, which are of exceptional artistic value.
• The complex has been used for filming movies and documentaries about medieval Armenia.
• Kecharis harmoniously combines man-made structures with the natural landscape, creating a unique atmosphere of spiritual and cultural heritage.