Sevanavank: The Monastery That Conquered Water

Armenia is a land of ancient temples. And one of the most unusual stands not among the mountains, but on the water... or rather, on what's left of it. This is Sevanavank Monastery. An Island Past: Founded in 874, the monastery was originally located on an island a full 3 kilometers from the shore of Lake Sevan. Imagine: monks would travel here by boat, fish, and pray in solitude. The location was so strategically advantageous that a large and opulent monastery complex grew up here. The Cradle of the "Golden Age": This is more than just a spiritual center. The first king of Armenia, Ashot II the Iron, lived within these walls. And it was here, at the monastery walls, that he routed the Arab army in 925. This victory marked the beginning of the Armenian "Golden Age"—a period of power and cultural flourishing. Ups, downs, and... the water level: Centuries of raids left the walls untouched, but three ancient churches remained standing. But the 20th century dealt its own blow: in 1931, one of the churches, Surb Astvatsatsin (9th century), was dismantled for its stones to build a sanatorium. Later, between 1981 and 2003, a drainage tunnel was built, and the lake level dropped by almost 20 meters. Thus, the island became a peninsula, accessible by car. Efforts are underway to raise the water level, but progress is very slow. 🚗 Practical: There is now a good road leading to the monastery. Parking near the monastery is paid (around 200 drams). To reach the complex itself, you have to climb a steep staircase—consider it a small asceticism for the sake of ancient history. There is a whole tourist infrastructure around: a souvenir market, cafes, and even a beach by the water. But the highlight is the panoramic view of Lake Sevan from above. The view of the turquoise water framed by mountains is absolutely epic. Conclusion: Sevanavank is a place with a powerful and dramatic history, a clear illustration of how politics and nature influence the fate of monuments. This is a must-visit not only for history buffs but also for those who want to see the famous views of Lake Sevan from the best vantage point. Come here to climb the ancient steps, touch the 9th-century stones, and feel the wind blowing from the lake, which was once much closer to the walls. #Sevanavank #Sevan #LakeSevan #Armenia #Monastery #HistoryOfArmenia #GoldenAge #AshotTheIron #TripToSevan