Havuts Tar, Medieval monastery complex in Kotayk Province, Armenia
Havuts Tar is a medieval monastic complex perched on a mountain ridge overlooking the Azat River Valley, with two main churches and fortified walls bearing carved stone reliefs. The buildings are constructed from local stone and display the distinctive features of Armenian religious architecture from that period.
The complex was rebuilt in 1013 by Prince Grigor Magistros and remained an important religious center for centuries afterward. A major earthquake in 1679 caused extensive damage that significantly altered the site.
The monastery served as a spiritual and learning center where monks engaged in daily religious practices and created works of artistic value. These activities shaped the religious life of the surrounding communities for generations.
The site is accessed via a walking trail lasting about 30 minutes from the Khosrov State Reserve entrance. The path crosses through open landscape before reaching the monastery on the ridge.
The main church features carefully carved bird motifs on the tympanum above the western portal and uses alternating layers of burnt orange and dark gray tuff stone. This color pattern results naturally from the different stone layers and reflects local building practices of the era.
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