Makenyats Vank sits near the village of Makenis, about five kilometres south of Lake Sevan, tucked into a quiet, remote valley beside a mountain stream. Founded in 851 by Prince Grigor Supan II, it grew into one of the most important religious and educational centres of medieval Gegharkunik – a place where monks copied manuscripts and taught for centuries.
At the center of this old monastery stands the Church of S. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God). It is built in the shape of a cross with a cone-shaped roof on top. If you look closely above the main doorway, you'll spot a cool, unusual detail: a large horse carved right into the stone. Around the church, you will see dozens of beautifully carved Armenian cross-stones (called khachkars) and an old graveyard.
What makes Makenyats Vank so special is that it hasn't been fixed up or turned into a crowded tourist spot. Made of dark volcanic stone, it feels ancient, real, and a little mysterious—especially with a nearby cave you can explore. Located far from the busy lake, it’s a quiet, historic place where you can relax to the sound of running water. It's the perfect hidden gem if you love exploring old, secret places.
The monastery pairs well with the better-known highlights around Lake Sevan. Within easy reach are the dramatic peninsula monastery of Sevanavank, the lakeside Hayravank Monastery, and the remarkable field of medieval cross-stones at Noratus cemetery – together making the Gegharkunik region one of Armenia's richest areas for history lovers. If you would like to explore the area with a guide, you can find the best tours to Gegharkunik on our tours page.
