Odzun Monastery

Odzun Monastery Complex

Odzun - one of the oldest settlements of the Armenian country Gugark of Tashir province, is located on a high plateau of the left bank of the Debed Canyon, 8 km southwest of the city of Alaverdi. The village and its surroundings are rich in medieval architectural monuments. In the center of the village is the domed basilica of the 5th-6th centuries. It has an emphasized commonality with the early medieval three-nave basilicas.

The construction of the church is traditionally attributed to Hovhana Ozdnetsi, however, researchers do not consider this fact reliable. The architectural composition and artistic style of decoration of the church is close to the structures of the late VI century. It was known as the church of Surb Astvatsatsin, Surb Nshan, Surb Hovhannes, Khachgond, Khachgund. The last name is associated with the name of the priest Khachgund buried in the courtyard of the church, in memory of which in 1291 an inscribed ornamented khachkar was installed. Near the church there is a stele of the early Christian period, a beautiful monument symbolizing the victory of Christianity in Armenia.

Photo By: Hatis Tour