Saghmosavank: A Must-Visit Monastery on Your Armenian Cultural Tour

Saghmosavank is an Armenian Apostolic monastery complex located in the village of Saghmosavan in the Aragatsotn region, perched on a scenic elevated site overlooking the Kasakh River, just 37 km from Yerevan. Built in the 13th century by Vache A Vachutyan, the monastery’s name derives from "saghmos," meaning "psalm," reflecting its unique distinction as the only monastery named after the spiritual songs sung within its walls, renowned for its exceptional acoustics.

Following the liberation of Eastern Armenia by the Zakarian princes, the Vachutian dynasty established its presence here. Originally from Lori, the Vachutians connected their legacy with Aragatsotn, which they ruled. Prince Vache Vachutyan, a prominent figure of the dynasty, was known for his contributions to both military victories and monumental construction, including the open courtyard of Sanahin, the Church of the Holy Nshan of Kecharis, the gavit of Makaravank, and other notable secular and spiritual structures.

Saghmosavank

In 1215, Vache Vachutyan and his wife, Mamakhatun, built the main church of Saghmosavank, Saint Sion, designed by architect Momik. The church is rectangular on the outside, cross-domed on the inside, and features two-story vaults in all corners. South of Saint Sion is the Saint Astvatsatsin Church, built in 1235 by Kurd Vachutyan, son of Vache Vachutyan. This vaulted church features a rectangular plan with a distinctive altar in the eastern part, adorned with a bas-relief depicting the rising sun, an angel, and the royal coat of arms with an eagle clawing a lamb. The architecture also includes colorful designs with red, black, white, yellow, and red-painted stones, enhancing its visual appeal.

In 1255, Prince Kurd Vachutyan, alongside his wife Khorishah, built the library-church known as Gratun in memory of their daughter Mamakhatun. This structure stands out for its unique design, featuring a tabernacle in the east and a rare two-story depository in the southeast corner. Gratun offers access to both the vestibule and the Saint Astvatsatsin Church, which can only be entered from the library. The library once housed 120 manuscripts in the 13th century, highlighting its significance as a center of learning.

Saghmosavank Monastery was one of the most prosperous and renowned spiritual centers of the medieval period, preserving a rich legacy of Armenian architecture, history, and culture. The gavit and library of Saghmosavank, with their intricate architectural and engineering designs, are among the most remarkable examples of medieval secular buildings.