Tegher Monastery in Tegher Village

Built at the beginning of the 13th century, the Tegher monastery complex became a symbol of the generosity of the Armenian princess Mamakhatun. She was married to the founder of the Vachutyan dynasty Vache I Vachutyan. For a century and a half, representatives of the clan were the heads of the Ararat vicegerency. At the entrance of the main temple, there is an inscription. It says that churches and chapels were built in memory of her and her husband. The spouses were actively engaged in the construction of churches, monasteries, and libraries.

Tegher monastery complex is built of hewn basalt stones. Near the entrance to the temple of Surb Astvatsatsin, you can see carved khachkars. The temple was erected in 1213. After eight years, a narthex was added to it. Its dimensions exceed the scale of the church itself. Along with two small chapels, the overall composition of the complex resembles a three-domed church. Tegher Monastery is a unique monument of the temple architecture of the early Middle Ages.

At the entrance of the temple, there is the grave of princess Mamakhatun. Other burials can also be found in the churchyard.

The complex used to be surrounded by a fortress wall for defense purposes. In 1949, the monastery and the wall got badly damaged by an earthquake. Later the complex was restored. Nowadays it is under the patronship of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Services are still held in the temple, as well as baptismal and wedding ceremonies.

Tegher Monastery is located in a picturesque place in the middle of the Ararat Valley, on the slope of the Aragats mountain range. From the walls of the monastery, you can see the views of the city of Byurakan and its famous observatory.