Deghdznut Monastery, Medieval monastery in Tavush Province, Armenia

Deghdznut Monastery is a ruined monastic complex in Acharkut with a cross-domed main church built of finely cut pink tuff, its roof carried on four half-columns that also supported the now-collapsed dome. A gavit with a rectangular plan and a roof opening stands west of the church, and a small chapel lies about 20 meters northeast.

The monastery was founded in the 13th century by Arakel, an archimandrite from the Cilician city of Tarsus. He died in 1292 and was buried at Deghdznut, where his gravestone survives in fragments. The gavit was built between 1258 and 1274, and the main church is dated to the 8th century, possibly older than the monastery itself. The community flourished under Amirspasalar Sadun, prince of Mahkanaberd.

The monastery displays numerous khachkars, intricately carved stone monuments that reflect the region's deep tradition of Armenian stone craftsmanship. Visitors can observe how these monuments served as both spiritual markers and artistic expressions of the community's identity and beliefs.

The monastery is located about 9 kilometers southeast of Acharkut and is accessible via forest paths along the Khndzorkut River. Visitors should prepare for natural terrain conditions and wear appropriate hiking shoes, as access involves walking through wooded areas.

The most important khachkar in the gavit was carved by the medieval masters Petros and Qaghaq; its inscription describes the founding of the monastery. The stone fell from its base long ago and broke into pieces, and in 1948 archaeologists rejoined the fragments and deciphered most of the text, which shows it was set up during the construction of the monastery.