We invite you to join excursions to Agartsin Monastery – one of the most beautiful historical and architectural monuments of Armenia. Since 2016, we have been organizing one- and multi-day tours across Armenia, creating various routes that include visits to the country’s most famous attractions. Our clients are fully supported by professional staff, allowing them to enjoy their trip without worrying about organizational or logistical details.
The Secrets of Agartsin Monastery
Every corner of Armenia preserves the memory of the country’s ancient history, culture, and past centuries. Alongside well-known landmarks, there are lesser-known treasures, such as Agartsin Monastery. Unlike monasteries perched on towering cliffs or mountains, Agartsin is located in a forested valley of the Ijevan ridge. From a distance, it appears carved from light-colored stone against the dark greenery, captivating with its harmonious beauty and elegance.
Agartsin Monastery is situated 110 km from Yerevan and 11 km from Dilijan. It was built between the 11th and 13th centuries and houses the tombs of rulers – kings Smbat and Gagik of the Bagratuni dynasty and three princes of the Kyurikian dynasty.
The complex includes the Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church and Surb Grigor (Saint Gregory) Church, the oldest building, dating back to the 11th century. The complex also contains Surb Stepanos Church, built in 1244, a refectory, and khachkars.
The Holy Mother of God Church was built in 1281, later receiving an added vestibule. Its sixteen-sided domed roof rests on columns, giving the structure elegance and lightness.
History and Restoration
In the second half of the 11th century, the monastery suffered attacks from Seljuk Turks and was destroyed. A century later, during Armenia’s restoration under the Bagratuni dynasty, the lands and monasteries were gradually rebuilt.
At the end of the 12th century, the monastery’s abbot was the distinguished Armenian theologian and musician Khachatur Taronatsi, who contributed to the revival and flourishing of the monastery. His tomb is located at Agartsin.
Between the 15th and 17th centuries, Agartsin was one of the largest religious and cultural centers of Armenia, hosting a school and a library.
Architecture and Scenic Beauty
The monastery’s traditional cross-dome architecture captivates with restrained lines and harmonious proportions. The church buildings, refectory, and other structures are constructed from roughly hewn light limestone blocks, giving them a sense of airiness: from afar, it seems as if a fairytale temple with precise lines has been painted against the dark backdrop of surrounding forests.
Agartsin is also stunning in autumn, when the surrounding forests display shades of red, yellow, gold, and crimson.
Legends of Agartsin
The monastery grounds feature ancient khachkars – sacred stone steles carved with crosses.
A legendary ancient tree once stood here, believed to grant wishes if one squeezed through a large gap in its trunk while making a wish. Although a lightning strike destroyed most of the tree, tourists still make wishes near its remains.
Another legend claims that treasures from past centuries are hidden somewhere within the monastery, adding an aura of mystery and charm to the site, though no evidence has ever been found.
Book an Excursion to Agartsin
We offer several excursions to Agartsin Monastery and other attractions, departing from Yerevan and Tsakhkadzor. Tours can be booked individually or for groups (5–18 people) and are conducted using comfortable cars or minibuses with Russian-speaking drivers and guides.
The tour price includes guiding services and vehicle rental; entrance fees to museums and additional services are paid by the tourists themselves. To choose and book a tour, contact us online, via messenger, or by phone.