Makravank Monastery

In the village of Makravan stands an overlooked relic of Armenia’s monastic past—Makravank Monastery. Not to be confused with the better-known Makaravank near Ijevan, this lesser-visited site dates back to the 11th century and occupies a quiet hill at the heart of the old village.

Reaching the monastery is not easy. The road winds through narrow alleys, barely wide enough for a single car. In winter, snow-covered slopes make the drive even more precarious. There are few places to park, and most travelers pass it by altogether.

The monastic complex includes the remains of an 11th-century chapel and a 13th-century church dedicated to Surp Astvatsatsin—the Holy Mother of God. What survives of the gavit’s lower walls adds to the sense of ruin, as does the adjacent medieval cemetery. Though the site is modest in scale and sparse in detail, it has a presence that lingers. There may not be much to “see” in the conventional sense, but the place speaks—quietly, without ceremony.

East of the church lies the cemetery, where a few weathered khachkars and headstones still bear traces of skill and care. If you’re already on the trail of Armenia’s monastic heritage, Makravank is worth the detour—not for grandeur, but for the silence it keeps.