Makaravank Monastery

Makaravank is a 13th-century monastic complex located in Armenia’s Tavush region, 3 kilometers southwest of the village of Achajur, on the slope of Mount Paytatap. With its richly detailed architectural elements, the monastery occupies a prominent place in Armenian medieval heritage. Though no longer active, the complex is remarkably well preserved and stands as one of the most significant examples of medieval Armenian architecture, harmoniously integrated into its mountainous setting.

What distinguishes Makaravank is its unique blend of materials. The structures are built from reddish tuff, deep rose andesite, and greenish stones, creating a distinctive color palette. Once enclosed by a protective wall, the complex includes the Old Church, the Main Church, a gavit (narthex), a nshkharatun (bread house), and the Church of Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God). The grounds also contain two cemeteries, arched gateways, a water source, and the remains of auxiliary buildings.

The Old Church, dating from the 10th–11th centuries, has a rectangular exterior and a cruciform interior. Constructed from red stone, its altar wall and windows are adorned with intricate vegetal and geometric carvings. The church is entered from the western gavit, built in 1224. The gavit serves as a transitional space between the Old and the Main churches and consists of two levels.

The Main Church, completed in 1204, features a large domed hall resembling the Old Church in shape. It is built from stones of dark and light ochre hues. The church’s interior is notable for its structure—four massive pentagonal pillars support twelve arches that uphold the drum of the dome. The altar wall is illuminated and richly decorated with detailed patterns. On the southern façade, preserved elements include a set of solar clocks and a sculpted dove resting on a cantilevered ledge.

The church’s exterior is a gallery of Armenian stonework. The altar façade features bas-reliefs of octagonal stars and polygons. The sculptural décor includes zoomorphic and floral motifs, along with biblical scenes, such as Jonah in the whale’s mouth. One relief depicts the standard of Vache Vachutyan, flanked by two eagles. Makaravank’s representations of fish, carved in a naturalistic style, stand out in Armenian medieval art. One star-shaped panel even shows the sculptor himself—tools in hand—with the inscription “Eritasard” (“The Young”).

Next to the Old Church stands the nshkharatun—a rare surviving bread house used for baking prosphora, the bread used in liturgical services. Inside, a niche with a small hearth remains intact.

The Church of Surb Astvatsatsin was founded in 1198 by Abbas Hovhannes in memory of his parents and brothers, whose figures are carved at the entrance. Though modest in size, the church has a circular base that transitions into an octagonal wall structure topped with a dome. Its windows are richly carved, and the outer walls feature bas-reliefs of animals and birds. On the church’s north side stands a small, low vaulted chapel.

The monastery’s deterioration can be attributed to natural and material causes. Landslides have damaged the terrain, and the andesite used in construction is vulnerable to moisture, causing it to crumble. Makaravank last underwent restoration between 1970 and 1980.