Arates Monastery

A medieval monastery set deep in a gorge of the Vayots Dzor region of southern Armenia, its several churches ranging from the seventh to the 13th century. The complex sits amid rugged mountain scenery, reached by a rough track that winds up a wooded valley. Carved crosses and a domed church remain among the partly ruined structures, giving a sense of its former importance as a religious centre. The remoteness and dramatic surroundings make the site a quiet retreat for travellers venturing off the main routes of the region.