Tatev Monastery
Տաթևի վանք
A 9th-century monastery on the cliffs of the Vorotan Gorge in southern Armenia, once a medieval center of learning. You reach it by flying over the deep valley on the Wings of Tatev, a world-record-setting aerial tramway.
Tatev Monastery stands on a basalt plateau at the edge of the Vorotan River gorge in Syunik Province, southern Armenia, about 250 km from Yerevan. Founded in the 9th century, it became one of Armenia's most important centers of learning in the 14th and 15th centuries. Tatev University taught theology, philosophy, painting, and calligraphy, and at its peak the monastery housed thousands of monks and scholars. The complex is enclosed by high walls, and the main church of Saints Peter and Paul still has surviving frescoes. In the courtyard stands an octagonal stone column called the Gavazan, or 'Rocking Pillar,' which is said to sway as a warning during earthquakes. There is also an ancient oil press and the monks' cells. The most dramatic way to reach the monastery is aboard the Wings of Tatev aerial tramway, which departs from Halidzor village. It spans about 5.7 km and is one of the world's longest reversible double-track aerial tramways. The one-way trip takes about 12 minutes and reaches about 320 m above the valley floor. Along the way you can see the gorge, the Devil's Bridge natural hot springs, and the full monastery complex. Check the official website for tickets and hours. The tramway may be suspended in winter or high winds. From Yerevan, the drive takes about 4–5 hours. Most visitors spend two days, stopping at Khor Virap, the Areni winery, and Noravank Monastery, and spending a night in Goris or Tatev.
Opening hours
Monastery open all day; cable car approx. 09:00–18:00 (check official website)
Nearby sights
- Great Hermitage of Tatev
- Devil's Bridge (Satani Kamurj)
- Wings of Tatev
- Shinuhayr Kusanats Anapat
- Old Khot Village
- Aksel Bakunts House Museum
- Goris Stone Forest & Old Goris Caves
- Vorotnavank