Tegher Monastery

A 13th-century monastery on the southern slopes of Mount Aragats in the Aragatsotn region of Armenia, built of dark grey basalt. Its church and adjoining vaulted gavit hall are distinguished by the massive, austere masonry and the pair of small domed chapels above the corners of the hall. Commissioned by a noblewoman of the period, it is a fine example of medieval monastic architecture. Standing at altitude with sweeping views toward Mount Ararat and the plain below, the monastery rewards visitors with both history and scenery.