Tatev Monastery – a jewel of medieval Armenian architecture, is located in southern Armenia, in the Syunik Province, 315 km from Yerevan and 30 km from the town of Goris, on the right bank of the Vorotan River near the village of Tatev. The monastery was constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries and was consecrated in honor of Saint Eustace, a disciple of Apostle Thaddeus, who, like his teacher, spread Christianity and was martyred for his faith.

The first church of the monastery complex was built in the 9th century, at which time only a few monks resided there. In the 13th century, Tatev became the residence of the bishops of Syunik. Between 1390 and 1435, the Tatev University operated within the monastery, serving as one of the largest centers of philosophical and scientific thought of the Middle Ages. The university was led by distinguished philosophers, educators, and notable public figures such as O. Vorotnetsi and G. Tatevatsi.

In 848, Prince Philip built the first church on the site, dedicating it to Saint Gregory the Illuminator; however, it was destroyed twice. In 1295, a new church was constructed on the same site with the same dedication, including a western narthex. The Church of Saint Gregory the Illuminator, featuring a single-vaulted prayer hall and a semicircular altar, adjoins the main church in the southeast part of the complex.

The main church of Tatev Monastery is the Church of Saints Poghos-Petros, built between 895 and 906. In 895, Bishop Hovhannes demolished the old church and erected a new one in its place, placing the relics of Apostles Poghos and Petros into the walls of the newly constructed church.

One of the monastery’s most remarkable features is the “Gavazan”, a swinging column installed in 904 near the residential quarters of the monastery. This eight-meter stone pillar, topped with a khachkar (cross-stone), is capable of tilting independently and returning to its original vertical position, making it a unique and fascinating example of Armenian architectural ingenuity.

Another important structure is the Gate Church of Surb Astvatsatsin, built in 1087. The monastic complex also includes 17th–18th-century abbot’s quarters, storerooms, a vaulted refectory with a kitchen, bell towers, and other auxiliary and residential buildings, all reflecting the sophisticated architectural planning of the medieval Armenian monastic tradition.

Tatev Monastery stands as a testament to Armenia’s rich religious, cultural, and intellectual history. Its churches, halls, and unique architectural features, combined with the breathtaking views of the Vorotan Gorge, make it not only a spiritual center but also a remarkable example of medieval Armenian artistry and engineering.