Travel to Armenia, Marmarashen Monastery
By: Eduard

Travel to Armenia, Marmarashen Monastery

The monastery is located in about 10 kilometers to the northwest from Gyumri (the left turn at the centre of Vaharamaberd Village), on the left bank of Akhuryan River. The main church of the monastery – Katoghike – was commissioned by Prince Vahram Pakhlavuni in 988-1029.

At that time, the city of Ani was yet the capital of the Bagratuni Dynasty. The monastery was heavily destroyed in the course of Seljuk’s invasions. However, in 1225, the descendants of Vahram Pakhlavuni, the archibishop Grigor and his brother Garib, reconstructed the church. Currently, is a typical construction of the Armenian national architecture (domed – hall type).

There used to be a narthex adjoined to the main temple from the west; today, only few remnants of its fundament have survived. The ground of the narthex is laid with gravestones, among which, it might be supposed, lies the authentic tomb of Prince Vahram Pakhlavuni(to the left from the entry to the church).

Two churches stand on both sides of the main temple; one of them is heavily destroyed. In the outskirts of the temple, there are many dilapidated utility constructions, as well as the fundament of the round in plan church. Descending the shallow gorge of the Akhuryan River, you will see a waterfall.

Travel to ancient Armenia