The monastery is located on the former island of Sevan in Lake Sevan. The island has now become a peninsula because of the Soviet-era water conservancy projects that lowered the water level of Lake Sevan. The monastery was built in the 9th century AD. The existing buildings are the lower St. Apostle Church and the higher St. Mother Church, which are larger and have many monuments preserved. The two churches are simple and square in shape and are very atmospheric. Worth a visit.