Tanahat Monastery
Tanahat Monastery is an 8th-century Armenian monastic complex located in the Vayots Dzor Province, known for its construction from red stone. Originally built on the site of a pagan temple dedicated to the goddess Anahit, it later became a Christian site and functioned until the late Middle Ages. The monastery is significant for its 13th-century churches, St. Stepanos and St. Nshan, and its valuable medieval Armenian secular sculptures. It is currently in good condition and has undergone renovation.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in the 8th century, with construction continuing until the 13th century.
- ›Also known as the "Red Monastery" due to its red stone construction.
- ›Built on the site of a pagan temple dedicated to the Armenian goddess Anahit.
- ›Features the 13th-century churches of St. Stepanos and St. Nshan.
- ›Contains valuable examples of medieval Armenian secular sculpture.
- ›Excavations in 1971 revealed foundations of various monastic and secular buildings, possibly including Gladzor University.
Medieval Armenian
Red Stone Construction, Site of A Former Pagan Temple, Church of St. Stepanos, Church of St. Nshan, Medieval Armenian Secular Sculptures, Khachkars, Tombstones, Early Medieval Cemetery, Possible Remains of Gladzor University
Red Monastery
Stepanos Syunetsi, Prince Prosh, Papak', Hasan, Eacci
- Burial of Stepanos Syunetsi In 735
- Construction of St. Stepanos Church Between 1273–1279
- Excavation of the Monastery Territory In 1971
- Renovation of St. Stepanos and St. Nshan Churches In 1984
About Tanahat Monastery
Tanahat Monastery is a significant Armenian monastic complex with origins dating back to the 8th century. Located in the Vayots Dzor Province, it is situated approximately 7 kilometers southeast of Vernashen village. The monastery is notable for its construction using red stone, which led to it being called the "Red Monastery." Historically, it was established on the site of an ancient pagan temple dedicated to the Armenian goddess Anahit, with a Christian temple first founded there in the 5th century.
History and Development
The monastery's development spanned several centuries, from the 8th to the 13th centuries. A key historical event recorded by the historian Stepanos Archbishop Orbelyan is the burial of Stepanos Syunetsi within the monastery in 735, with a small chapel subsequently built over his grave. Between 1273 and 1279, under the patronage of Prince Prosh and his family, the church of St. Stepanos was erected on the site of this earlier chapel. This church was built using dark bluish basalt hewn stones and bears an inscription detailing its construction during the rule of Prince Prosh and his sons.
Adjacent to the St. Stepanos church to the north is the 13th-century church known as St. Nshan, or Varaga Surb Nshan. It is speculated that the famous holy icon of Varagavank may have been housed here for a period. The western entrance of St. Nshan features a stone carving of a young horseman from the Proshian princely dynasty spearing a lion's mare, with birds depicted above, showcasing valuable examples of medieval Armenian secular sculpture.
Archaeological and Modern Status
The monastery grounds are surrounded by khachkars and tombstones dating from the 13th to the 16th centuries. Archaeological excavations conducted in 1971 uncovered the foundations of the monastery's vestibule, a large nave church and its vestibule, and secular buildings on the south side. It is believed that these secular buildings may have once housed Gladzor University. In 1984, both the St. Stepanos and St. Nshan churches underwent renovation, and the monastery's territory was improved. Tanahat Monastery functioned until the late Middle Ages and is currently in good condition, though it is considered ruins.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Tanahat Monastery located?
Tanahat Monastery is situated 7 km south-east of Vernashen village in the Vayots Dzor Province of Armenia.
What is the historical significance of Tanahat Monastery?
Tanahat Monastery is significant for its early medieval origins, its construction on a pagan temple site, and its well-preserved 13th-century churches adorned with notable secular sculptures. It also has historical ties to the burial of Stepanos Syunetsi and the possible operation of Gladzor University on its grounds.
What are the main architectural features of Tanahat Monastery?
The monastery is primarily built of red stone, earning it the name "Red Monastery." It includes the 13th-century church of St. Stepanos, constructed with dark bluish basalt, and the adjacent 13th-century church of St. Nshan. The site also features sculptures, khachkars, and tombstones.
What was the original purpose of the site before the monastery was built?
Before the Christian monastery was established, the site was occupied by a pagan temple dedicated to the Armenian goddess Anahit. A Christian temple was first founded here in the 5th century.
Has Tanahat Monastery undergone any renovations?
Yes, in 1984, the churches of St. Stepanos and St. Nshan were renovated, and the monastery's territory was improved.
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