The magnificently carved wooden door of Tanahat (Photo by Stephanie Moore, My Armenia Program, Smithsonian Institution and USAID)
The late 13th- and early 14th-century
historian Stepanos Orbelian dated this monastery to the 8th century. Later, in
place of the 8th-century chapel, the princely Proshian family commissioned the main church, St. Stepanos, between 1273 to 1279. Another church, St. Nshan, dates to the 13th century. Both structures were built with dark blue polished basalt stone. Take a look at the southern facing wall of St. Stepanos to see the Proshian princely family crest which depicts an eagle with a lamb in its claws.
Some scholars believe the remains of adjacent structures near the churches are the ruins of Gladzor University, a great center of educational learning from the late 13th century to the mid 14th century. Check out the page on the Gladzor University Museum to learn more about this medieval institution.
Tanahat Monastery (Panorama by 360° Stories)
Tanahat Monastery
Historical Attractions