Saghmosavank Monastery, Aragatsotn

Saghmosavank Monastery was founded in 1215 when the prince Vache Vachyutian ordered to erect there the temple of Surb Zion (Holy Zion). Later the temple acquired extensions from the western and southern sides – the vestibule (1250), the book-depository (1255), the church of St. Astvatsatsin (1235). All the structures are included into the monastic complex of Sagmosavank. The main temple is of Greek-cross design. It is a severe looking building made from dark brown stones with its four sides forming the cross-shaped facade. The cylindrical dome towers in the middle.

Saghmosavank Monastery was famous for its manuscripts. There a number of miniatures-illustrations were created and copied. The book-depository of Saghmosavank is one of the rarest in purpose and design in Armenia . The smooth modest facades of the book-depository, which is a tall as the temple, contrast to its richly ornamented interior. The central hipped roof of the book-depository is topped by the octahedral rotunda. Geometrical and floral ornaments decorate the arch and the doorway. Elegance of the interior is highlighted by color design - its separate parts were not only made from red and black stones but also painted white, yellow and red.