Armenia Map and planner Guide Routes ENRU

Saghmosavank

Monastery on the rim of the Kasakh canyon

Saghmosavank
Photograph: Vahagn Grigoryan / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Saghmosavank stands on the rim of the Kasakh canyon in Aragatsotn, a compact medieval monastery of grey stone with a gavit, a library and a small book depository. The canyon drops away immediately behind the east wall.

Open in the planner →

Getting there

It is about 34 km and roughly 38 minutes from Yerevan on the app's estimate, on good roads through Ashtarak and Artashavan. Parking sits a short walk from the gate.

What you see

The church, gavit and vestry form one connected block, with carved cross-stones set into the outer walls and a dim interior lit by narrow windows. The gavit roof rests on heavy intersecting arches, which is the architectural point of the place. Step round the east end for the drop into the canyon, which is the view people remember.

What to pair it with

Hovhannavank is the obvious companion, a few kilometres down the same canyon rim, and Amberd or Tegher can be added going uphill.

When to go

Any season works, though the canyon reads best in clear morning or late-afternoon light. Services may limit movement inside the church on Sunday mornings.

What is hard about it

Visits are short and the interior is plain, so travellers who have already seen several Armenian monasteries may find it repetitive. The cliff edge behind the monastery is unfenced in places.

Common questions

How long should I allow?

Around 45 minutes covers the buildings and the canyon viewpoint without rushing.

Is there an entrance fee?

Monasteries of this kind are usually free to enter, with a donation box inside. [VERIFY — confirm current details]

Can I combine it with Hovhannavank in one trip?

Yes, easily. They sit on the same canyon within a short drive of each other and are commonly visited back to back.

Nearby

More of the same kind

Part of these routes