Makravank Monastery, Armenian monastery in Makravan, Hrazdan, Armenia

Makravank Monastery is a medieval religious complex near Hrazdan featuring a main church with a cylindrical drum, conical dome, and narrow windows decorated with distinctive bell-shaped arches on each side. The architectural design combines these elements into a cohesive structure characteristic of Armenian church building.

The monastery was consecrated in 990 by the Catholicos of Arsharunik. The 11th-century Holy Redeemer chapel is half-ruined, while the Church of Surb Astvatsatsin was built in the 13th century. The site also preserves the lower walls of its gavit and a medieval cemetery.

The monastery grounds display numerous khachkars, traditional Armenian stone crosses carved with intricate designs that reflect medieval Armenian craftsmanship and religious meaning.

The site sits near a parking area accessible from Hrazdan via a spur road, with a water trough marking where the short walking path begins. Wear comfortable shoes since the route up to the grounds involves a gentle uphill walk.

One of the monastery's khachkars left Armenia for France in late September 2006, shown in the Louvre exhibition "Holy Armenia" during the Year of Armenia in France. The complex also carries the nickname "Shah Khutura" (shah-subduing), from a tradition that local people forced a shah to abandon plans to demolish the church and build a bridge with its stones.