Kecharis Monastery, Medieval monastery in Tsaghkadzor, Armenia

Kecharis is a monastery complex in the mountainous region of Tsaghkadzor built from dark stone with four main churches, two additional chapels, and a structure for graves. The buildings display typical Armenian architectural features including barrel vaults, stone carvings, and carefully fitted stonework arranged across the hillside.

Kecharis was founded in the 11th century by princes of the Pahlavuni family, and building continued until the mid-13th century. Prince Apirat began the monastery with a church in 1031, and in 1044 Grigor Magistros built the Church of Saint Gregory the Illuminator. Prince Vasak Khaghbakyan added the Katoghike church between 1203 and 1214, and the Church of the Holy Resurrection was built in 1220, 120 m west of the main group.

This monastery remains an active place of worship where the Armenian Apostolic Church continues its religious traditions and community gatherings. Visitors can observe how the different churches and chapels serve the spiritual needs of worshippers who come here for prayer and ceremonies.

Visitors can explore the grounds freely, viewing the buildings from various angles and examining stone carvings and architectural details throughout the site. The location sits on a hillside, so some physical effort is needed to move between different areas and reach all the structures.

The 13th-century khachkar of the architect Vetsik stands in the monastery grounds, erected by his architect brothers as his tombstone. Vetsik, who carved the Katoghike church's inscription, is buried in the medieval cemetery along with Prince Grigor Apiratyan (1099) and Grand Prince Prosh (1284).