Amberd

Aparan

Mount Ararat

Areni

A remote Armenian monastery, at the top of a stony valley in the Lesser Caucasus, an ecclesiastic architectural jewel on the side of the mountain, seemingly at the world's end, with mind-blowing panoramic views: the Armenian recipe works well at Spitakavor! 

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Spitakavor to my eyes summarises quite well the genius of the Caucasus builders: by creating clear, straight and simple buildings, perfectly integrated into their natural setting, they knew how to create one of the most convincing visual displays! 
Like <a href="/armenia/">Geghard</a> or Haghartsin, this hermitage from the 14th century, perched on the middle of the hill in a marvellous setting of stony mountains, products the effect of a fragment of civilisation in the heart of savage nature. With its pinky stones, typical of Armenian churches, it slices through the green or yellow of the vegetation, depending on the season. I loved going to Vernashen and going up the Gladzor valley on food, getting a bit deeper into the mountains, to find this little solitary jewel of sacred art that it Spitakavor.
Like with all hermitages, it is difficult for me to imagine that men have spent decades here at Spitakavor, removed from the world, to reflect. Yet its church, Surp Astvatsatsin (Our Lady), invites you to question the world. Fine and slender, it has an absolutely exceptional sculpted décor. I invite those who are fit and healthy to continue their walk up to the summit of Mount Teksar which offers incredible views.

A remote Armenian monastery, at the top of a stony valley in the Lesser Caucasus, an ecclesiastic architectural jewel on the side of the mountain, seemingly at the world's end, with mind-blowing panoramic views: the Armenian recipe works well at Spitakavor!

Spitakavor Holidays

Spitakavor: How to get there?

Spitakavor: See when to go?

Spitakavor: For how long?

Spitakavor: What to see nearby?