Gandzasar

Gandzasar is a monastery complex, near the Vank village of Martakert region. St. Iovhannu Cathedral of Gandzasar was built during 1216-38 by Hasan-Jalal prince. During 1400-1816 Gandzasar was a residence of the Aghvan catholicoses. For centuries Gandzasar has been one of the most important religious centres of Eastern Armenian provinces. On the walls of the St.Iohannes Mkrtich Cathedral bas-reliefs of Biblical characters are preserved. In general, almost 200 ancient Armenian inscriptions were preserved in the monastery complex. The courtyard of the church is a family mausoleum.