Saghmosavank (13th Century)

Saghmosavank is one of the most impressive and complete monuments of Armenian medieval architecture. It is located in the village of Saghmosavan in the Aragatsotn region on the edge of the deep precipice of the Kasagh River gorge. The monastery stands out for the audacity of its engineering solutions the perfection of its architectural forms and its exceptional harmony with the natural landscape.

1. Historical Overview and Foundation

The main construction of the complex is linked to the Vachutyan princely house who were the lords of Aragatsotn in the 13th century.

• Construction: The main church of the complex—Saint Sion—was built in 1215 by Prince Vache I Vachutyan.

• Spiritual Significance: According to tradition the monastery was founded by Saint Gregory the Illuminator who read psalms on this height of the Kasagh gorge (hence the name "Saghmosavank" or "Monastery of Psalms").

  
  

2. Architectural Composition of the Complex

Saghmosavank consists of four main structures attached to each other creating a unified volume.

• Saint Sion Church (1215): The main temple belongs to the cross-domed type. It is notable for its high dome and the restrained yet majestic decoration of its facades.

• Gavit (1215–1235): Built adjacent to the church. This is a four-column central-domed hall with a richly decorated skylight that served as a mausoleum and meeting place.

• Scriptorium-Church (1255): Built by Kurd Vachutyan. This is a gem of Armenian medieval secular-spiritual architecture. In its volume and decoration (especially the ceiling solutions) it rivals the temples.

• Saint Astvatsatsin Chapel (1235): Located on the southern side of the complex completing the general panorama of the monastery.

  
  

3. Artistic Decoration and Acoustics

Saghmosavank is famous for its high art of stonemasonry.

• Wall Sculptures: Numerous highly artistic khachkars and princely coats of arms are preserved on the temple walls and inside the gavit.

• Color Solutions: Alternations of red and black stones are used inside the building creating a "chessboard" effect that emphasizes the geometric beauty of the arches and domes.

• Acoustics: Like all Vachutyan structures Saghmosavank possesses exceptional acoustic properties which contributed to the development of psalm-singing.

  
  

4. Strategic and Aesthetic Value of the Location

The monastery is built on the edge of the vertical cliffs of the Kasagh gorge. This position grants the temple additional monumentality. From the monastery courtyard a view opens to the gorge and Hovhannavank located on the opposite slope creating the "spiritual corridor" of Aragatsotn.