Teghenyats Monastery

Monastery Teghenyats 3 km north of the village of Buzhakan, in a wooded area, is the. This is one of the largest medieval Armenian architectural ensembles. The first mention of the monastery dates back to the 20 years of the VIII century. In the X-XIV centuries. It is one of the famous cultural and educational centers. Outstanding scholars Sargis Imastaser (12th century), vardapet Vanakan (13th century), historian Vardan Areveltsi (13th century) taught at the Teghenyats monastery.

The complex of monuments of the Teghenyats monastery includes the Katogike church (Cathedral), the small church of Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Virgin), two narthex-gavits, a seminary-scriptorium, and a refectory.

In 1979-1989 excavations were conducted on the territory of the monastery (leader G. Sargsyan), during which the Katogike church, a small church, a scriptorium and a building adjoining the porch from the north (vestibule-book depository) were opened.

Not far from the group of monuments, a medieval cemetery has been preserved. 20 meters from the monastery are ground-covered chapels and the foundations of dwellings.

Katogike Church - located in the center of the group of monuments. Built in the XII century. This is a domed hall with a pair of pylons. It stands out for its rich artistic decoration. The iconostasis is noteworthy, the entire surface of which is covered with relief geometric, zoomorphic and floral ornaments.

The narthex (the first gavit) - from the west adjoins the Katogike church. The central part has been preserved (the southern wall and the dome cover are destroyed). According to the building inscription, erected in 1207, the customer Wagram Chavush, son of Patronike. Belongs to the type of four-pillar central-dome gavit widespread in medieval Armenia. Black and red tuff are skillfully used in the masonry. On the walls preserved gift inscriptions of the XIII-XIV centuries. On the outer eastern wall of gavit traces of the building are traced, apparently the remains of the church.

Narthex-book depository (second gavit) - adjacent to the first gavit from the north side. Four hapsid structure. It was erected at the beginning of the 13th century. Presumably, it was an educational building (book depository).

Scriptary seminary - adjacent to the Katogike church on the south side. Probably built at the same time as the Katogike church, no later than the 12th century. The plan has a rectangular structure with three small vestries. Built with stones of dark red tuff. The entrance is richly decorated.

Refectory - located in the northern part of the complex. Only the north wall has survived. It was erected in the 13th century, probably until the 1230s. In terms of a rectangular, vaulted structure, the interior is divided into three parts.

Surb Astvatsatsin Church (small church) - is located 30 m east of the main group of monuments. Built in the VI-VII centuries. The foundation has been preserved (the height of the preserved walls on the inside is 10-15 cm). Compositionally belongs to the type of four-apse buildings. The wings of the cross are externally inscribed in an octahedron, and the western wing - in a rectangle. On the south side of the church are the remains of another structure. Around the church are characteristic of the XIII century. ornamented cross-stones.

Photo By: Artur Martirosyan