History and Culture
Free

Arichavank Monastery

Ashtarak

See the medieval masterpiece of Arichavank, enjoy the surrounding views, and bring back beautiful photographs

Price: free

About

In the picturesque village of Arich, on the edge of a gorge at the foot of Mount Aragats, stands the monastic complex of Arichavank, also known as the Monastery of the Holy Mother of God. This architectural masterpiece of the 13th century (with the earliest structures dating back to the 5th–7th centuries), adorned with refined bas-reliefs and khachkars, bears witness to Armenia's rich history and culture. The main church of the complex, built in 1201 by the Zakarian princes, impresses with its exquisite stone carving, a unique 20-sided drum of the dome, and rich ornamentation, while the Church of St. Grigor, the oldest structure of the complex, dating to the 7th century, preserves the spirit of early Christianity. The monastery is decorated with numerous khachkars and bas-reliefs that are masterpieces of Armenian art. From 1850, the church of Arichavank served as the summer residence of the Catholicos of Etchmiadzin. At that time a library, a seminary (where great sons of the Armenian people studied — the composer Komitas and the poet Avetik Isahakyan), cells, and the monastery's infrastructure were built. In one of the side chapels of the church there is a slab on the floor that you can rock with your foot: it conceals an underground passage leading into the gorge and beyond. During one of their raids, the Seljuk Turks, destroying everything in their path, reached the church, where the residents of nearby villages were hiding, but when they burst inside they found no one. In a rage, the barbarians decided to destroy the church. They knocked out the four supporting columns of the bell tower, yet the church did not collapse, and the enemy, frightened by such a miracle, fled in terror and never again attacked this church. Meanwhile the villagers sat quietly in the underground chamber, having descended there through a secret passage. The distance from Yerevan is about 95 km, and from the nearest town, Artik, 7 km.

Practical

Price and tickets: Free
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Hours: MonTueWedThuFriSatSun24 hours

Car (your own or rental): In short: before renting, decide whether you actually need a car for your route, season, and driving experience.

What to consider: city traffic vs mountain and winter sections; insurance and deposit terms; where to park near your destination. There are many cameras on the roads; check fines and payment against the rental rules and local regulations — don't put it off "until you leave the country" without checking the contract.

A common mistake: renting a car "just in case" without checking the season and the return trip from a remote location.

Next: between cities.
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Guided tour: A guided tour can help you see places in context and save time on putting together an itinerary. Check the format, group size, and route when choosing a tour.
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Taxi: In short: around the city it's convenient to order a car through an available app. For a remote place, plan your return in advance.

What to do: agree on the wait, the trip back, and the price before you set off; have a backup way to pay.

Common mistake: going "one way only" with no plan for how to get back in the evening or without a signal.

Next: between cities.
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Spring: In the city, spring is good for walking, but the weather is changeable.

In the regions, there may still be snow in the mountains or mud on the trails — check the elevation of your route, not just the calendar in Yerevan.
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Summer: In the city it is hot; plan for water, shade, and shifting activities to the morning or evening.

In the regions it is cooler at altitude, but the sun is harsher — protection and a supply of water are essential.
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Autumn: In the city, autumn is often comfortable for sightseeing.

In the regions, it gets dark earlier and the weather in the mountains turns faster — don't apply a "city" schedule one-to-one to a longer trip out.
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Winter: In the city, winter is usually milder than in the mountains: shorter days, possible ice, and canceled walks.

In the regions, snow, closed mountain passes, and short daylight hours change plans more sharply — allow extra time and check the road before you set out.
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