Hovhannavank
Հովհաննավանք
A medieval monastery on the Kasagh River gorge; the relief of the “Wise and Foolish Virgins” above the entrance is a masterpiece of Armenian sculpture.
Hovhannavank Monastery lies beside the village of Ohanavan. Its main church, St. Karapet Church, was built in 1216–1221, and next to it stand the remains of a 5th-century basilica-style chapel. The lintel above the west doorway of the narthex carries a relief of the parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins, with lively figures that represent the best of medieval Armenian stone carving. The monastery also sits on the edge of a cliff above the gorge. Its scenery is similar to that of Saghmosavank, but it draws fewer visitors. Admission is free. It is about 25 km from Yerevan.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Saghmosavank
- Armenian Alphabet Monument
- Amberd Fortress
- Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex
- Zvartnots Cathedral
- Saint Hripsime Church
- Cascade Complex
- Sergei Parajanov Museum