We offer excursions to Goshavank Monastery, located near the Armenian town of Dilijan. Since 2016, our team has been organizing tours throughout Armenia, creating interesting routes to the country’s most significant historical, architectural, and natural landmarks. Clients choose us for our responsibility, high-quality service, and affordable prices.
Goshavank Monastery – A Gem in Armenia’s Ancient Crown
Goshavank Monastery is situated near the Armenian village of Gosh, 15 km from the resort town of Dilijan. The ancient monastery buildings are surrounded by leafy forests—oak groves—on top of a hill. Churches and other religious structures are not enclosed by fortress walls; nearby, you can see old houses of local residents both close to and further from the monastery.
History and Founding
Goshavank was built in the 12th–13th centuries on the site of an even older monastery, Getik (named after the nearby river), which was destroyed by an earthquake. This gives it the alternate name Nor Getik, meaning “New Getik.” The monastery’s founder was Mkhitar Gosh, a prominent Armenian thinker, literary and public figure, theologian, and priest, supported by Prince Ivane Zakaryan. The monastery was named after Mkhitar Gosh posthumously.
Goshavank was one of the largest educational, cultural, and religious centers in medieval Armenia, housing a seminary, university, library, scriptorium, and offering studies in languages, music, and more.
Architecture and Structures
The monastery includes the Churches of the Holy Mother of God (Surb Astvatsatsin), St. Gregory (Surb Grigor), and Lusavorich, along with a narthex and book storage with a bell tower, a school, a gallery, and a chapel. The complex is built in the classic Armenian architectural style, characterized by simplicity, strictness, lack of decorative elements, and cross-shaped facades.
The founder’s tomb, Mkhitar Gosh, is located within the monastery grounds.
Historical Significance and Decline
In the 13th century, Goshavank received substantial donations, including gardens, fields, forests, mills, and more. From the 14th to 16th centuries, life in Goshavank gradually declined, with activity briefly resuming in the 17th century. By the late 19th century, the monastery ceased to function.
Restoration and Museum
In the 1950s–1960s, Goshavank was restored. A monument to Mkhitar Gosh was placed near his grave, and in 1972, a historical and architectural museum opened at the monastery.
Interesting Facts
A legend associated with Goshavank says that Mkhitar Gosh dreamt that the Lord warned him of seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. To survive, granaries were built and filled with grain during the prosperous years. During the famine, Mkhitar distributed bread from a large basket (gush), saving people from starvation. He became known as Gush or Gosh after this act.
Unique monuments include 13th-century khachkars—stone steles with carved crosses. The most original were crafted by the famous master Pogos, whose intricate carvings resemble embroidery or lace.
Nearby, in a scenic forest, lies Gosh Lake (Goshalich).
Book an Excursion to Goshavank
We offer tours from Tsakhkadzor along the route Goshavank – Aghartsin – Parz Lake – Sevanavank. Trips can be individual or group (5–18 people). We provide comfortable sedans and minibuses with polite Russian-speaking drivers, and professional guides are also available. The price includes the tour and vehicle rental only.
We can also organize custom excursions according to the client’s wishes. To book a tour, send us a message on our website, via messengers, or contact us by phone.