Foto: The Sevanavank Monastery at Lake Sevan (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Armenia - The Sevanavank Monastery, also called Sevan Monastery, is situated on a picturesque peninsula on Lake Sevan, Armenia’s largest lake and one of the highest lakes in the world. At over 1,900 meters above sea level, it offers breathtaking views of the deep blue water and surrounding mountains. The serene setting makes Sevanavank one of Armenia’s most visited and photographed sites. The monastery was originally founded in 874 by Queen Mariam, daughter of King Ashot I, during the Armenian revival period. It initially stood on an island in the lake, but after the water level dropped during the Soviet era, it became connected to the mainland. In the Middle Ages, Sevanavank served as a refuge for monks and a spiritual center for worshippers seeking solitude. The complex once had multiple buildings, but today mainly two churches remain: the Church of the Holy Apostles (Surb Arakelots) and the Church of the Holy Mother of God (Surb Astvatsatsin). Both are built of dark basalt stone, providing a striking contrast with the bright blue lake and sky. The architecture is simple yet powerful, with thick walls, narrow windows, and conical roofs typical of Armenian ecclesiastical design. Inside, traces of frescoes and inscriptions remain, giving a sense of calm and devotion. In the Middle Ages, the monastery also had strategic importance, as monks could see approaching enemies from the peninsula. Later, it became a center for religious education and manuscript production. Today, Sevanavank is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike. The climb to the monastery, via a staircase with dozens of steps, rewards visitors with panoramic views of the lake, especially magical at sunrise or sunset. Around the monastery stand several chachkars, Armenian cross-stones with intricate patterns. Sevanavank is not only a religious site but also a symbol of Armenian identity, where nature, history, and spirituality converge.
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