Tsakhats Kar Monastery

Tsakhats Kar Monastery is an Armenian monastic complex situated in the Vayots Dzor Province of Armenia. Perched along the mountain foothills, it overlooks the Yeghegis River and is located between the villages of Yeghegis and Horbategh. The monastery is also found within walking distance of the fortress of Smbataberd.

Historical Context and Significance

Historical records indicate that the church at Tsakhats Kar was constructed in the 10th century, during the era of the Bagratid kingdom. The historian Asoghik documented information pertaining to its construction. Beyond its religious function, Tsakhats Kar served as a vital medieval educational institution, notably for the study of painting. One hypothesis suggests that the monastery's name, possibly derived from the Armenian for "flowered stone" (Ծաղկած Քար or Ցաղաց Քար), relates to this distinctive stone.

Structures and Features

The monastery site is characterized by two distinct groups of structures, separated by approximately 200 meters (656 feet). The western grouping, which is now largely half-ruined, was originally built from rough-hewn basalt. Within the complex, notable structures include Surb Hovhannes church, completed in 989, and the 10th-century Surb Karapet church. Surb Karapet is architecturally described as a cupola hall type structure, with sacristies located in each of its four corners. The monastery grounds are also adorned with numerous khachkars, a distinctive type of Armenian carved stone cross.

A natural spring, referred to as a pipe-spring, is located on the right side shortly after crossing the river in the vicinity of the monastery.