Samsoni Monastery, Medieval monastery in Acharkut, Armenia

Samsoni Monastery is a complex composed of a small domed church, a shrine, and an additional church structure, all built with finished stones on mountain slopes. The buildings cluster together on a forested plateau, displaying the careful stonework typical of Armenian religious architecture.

The monastery was constructed during the 12th and 13th centuries, establishing its presence in the northern Tavush Province. These building phases coincided with a period of intense monastery foundation activity across the Armenian highlands.

The monastery belonged to the Armenian Apostolic Church and lies in the Kayen district of the historic Gugark province. The small church's west wall carries undated carved inscriptions, and the chapel has donor and name inscriptions cut inside and out, with a richly carved door opening from the west.

The monastery is reachable through the nearby settlement of Yenokavan, and visitors should wear sturdy footwear since the terrain is uneven and forested. Access to the buildings requires walking along mountain paths.

The complex includes a cemetery and the remains of Samson village, a medieval settlement beside the monastery. The chapel's carved west door and the votive and name inscriptions cut inside and outside its walls survive, while the graveyard's cross-stone bases lie buried under earth.