Landmarks of Gegarkunik region

Lake Sevan—an ancient relict body of water once known as the “Gegham Sea”—is often called the “Jewel of Armenia.” One of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes on the planet, it rests in the heart of the Armenian Highlands at an elevation of 1,900 meters. The lake lies within a vast mountain basin encircled by rugged ridges and alpine slopes. Its surface area spans 940 square kilometers, with a maximum depth of 95 meters. Sevan stretches nearly 70 kilometers in length and reaches widths of 30 to 50 kilometers. Twenty-eight rivers flow into the lake, but only one—the Hrazdan—carries its waters away.

On the northwestern tip of the lake, perched on a narrow rocky peninsula, stands the early medieval monastery of Sevanavank—one of the most notable monuments of Armenian ecclesiastical architecture. In antiquity, the peninsula was a remote island, separated from the mainland by three kilometers of clear water rich in fish. The monastery thrived on this abundance, and its monks lived by fishing and solitude.

Not far from Ayrivank Monastery, near the lake’s western shore, lies the village of Noratus—home to the largest surviving khachkar cemetery in Armenia. On this small patch of land, nearly 900 intricately carved stone crosses from various periods and styles are preserved. The defining motif of most khachkars is a cross rising above a sun disc. The rest of the stone is often adorned with motifs of leaves, grape clusters, pomegranates, or stylized geometric designs.

Ayrivank Monastery, dating from the 9th to 12th centuries, stands above the lake’s western shore in the village of the same name. Built from dark basalt, the church has a compact square layout. Its facades are cruciform, unembellished except for a few carved crosses. At the center of the structure rises a low, broad dome—simple, solid, and striking in its restraint.