Yeghegis is a small village in Armenia’s Vayots Dzor region, though you might notice some confusion around its name: local signs read “Yeghegis,” while Google Maps insists on “Yeghgis.” Despite the inconsistency, one thing is certain—this quiet corner holds remarkable fragments of history worth a detour.
Located around 140 kilometers from Yerevan, Yeghegis is a natural stop if you’re exploring Areni’s ancient cave complex or the architectural masterpiece of Noravank, or even making your way toward Jermuk. Turning off the main road into Yeghegis leads to a cluster of rare and hauntingly beautiful landmarks.
One of the village’s most intriguing sites is its medieval Jewish cemetery, though no written record confirms the presence of a Jewish community here—or anywhere else in medieval Armenia. The origins and disappearance of this group remain unclear.
Discovered between 1997 and 1998, the cemetery revealed 64 gravestones. Ten of them preserve inscriptions in Hebrew and Aramaic. The oldest stone dates to 1266, the latest to 1346, indicating a small but active Jewish population that lived here for roughly 70 years in the 13th and 14th centuries.
The headstones suggest an integration of local cultural norms—carvings include Armenian motifs like the three-symbol sign of eternal life. On May 11, 2009, the cemetery was officially opened to the public, and that date is now observed as an annual day of pilgrimage.
Set among village homes, the Church of Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) stands partially below ground level. While its doors remain closed, you can still observe its preserved façade and a decorative niche above the portal.
The current structure dates to the early 18th century and was built over an earlier church. From that older building, the portal and upper niche were salvaged and incorporated into the new construction, along with a khachkar. Some wall inscriptions still survive.
Not far from the Holy Mother of God church stands a group of khachkars—cross-stones—that once traveled far from home. They were exhibited at the Louvre as prime examples of Armenian stone-carving. These intricately carved pieces of medieval art remain without signage, but their detail speaks for itself.
On the village outskirts, perched on a rise, is the 14th-century Church of Surb Zorats—literally, the Church of the Holy Warriors. This site is unlike any other in Armenia. Only the altar and two small side chambers are covered by a roof; the rest of the sanctuary is open to the sky. It was purposefully designed this way to allow soldiers and mounted riders to participate in religious services during campaigns.
The elevated altar reflects this unique function—it allowed mounted warriors to remain on horseback during prayer. This is the only church in Armenia built specifically with that intent.
Tucked between village houses is another small domed church, Surb Nshan (Saint Karapet), dating from the 13th century. Though difficult to access and less well-known, it forms an essential part of Yeghegis’ sacred topography.
Coordinates for exploration
Climb Yerevan’s Cascade Monument
Taste wine in Areni village
Explore Noravank’s cliffside monastery
Ride Wings of Tatev tramway
Discover ancient khachkars in Goshavank
Visit UNESCO-listed Haghpat monastery