Tanahat, 8th-century monastery in Vernashen, Armenia.
Tanahat is an 8th-century monastery complex in the Vayots Dzor region containing the churches of Saint Stepanos and Saint Nshan, built from dark polished basalt stone. The site displays characteristic Armenian architecture with detailed stonework and carvings.
Prince Prosh and his family financed the construction of Saint Stepanos church from 1273 to 1279, replacing an earlier shrine that stood over the grave of Saint Stepanos Syunetsi. Later the monastery became an important center of learning for the region.
The monastery displays detailed stone carvings showing the Prosh family emblem of an eagle grasping a lamb, along with birds of paradise and hunting scenes. These carved images reflect the identity of the family who funded the construction.
The monastery is located in Vernashen village and is accessible by public bus from Yerevan to Yeghegnadzor, with onward connections to the village. Reaching the complex involves some walking from the road across the local landscape.
The monastery complex contains the remains of an earlier 5th-century basilica buried beneath the later structures. This location also served as the seat of Glazdor University, which functioned as a major educational center until the 1340s.
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