Saint Christopher Monastery

Saint Christopher Monastery is a 7th-century religious complex in Dashtadem featuring a restored church with an octagonal drum dome and four small windows that illuminate the interior. The site also includes a rectangular stone tower with sloped walls added during the 13th century.

The monastery was founded in the 7th century as a place of religious significance for Armenian communities. Its construction phases reveal later medieval development, particularly through the addition of the substantial tower structure.

The cemetery surrounding the monastery features khachkars, intricately carved stone crosses that have served as Armenian grave markers for centuries. These monuments reflect the enduring tradition of stonecraft in the region.

The site sits near Dashtadem village in rolling terrain with views toward the adjacent Dashtadem Fortress. Visitors should prepare for uneven ground and variable weather conditions suitable for a gradual exploration.

The rectangular stone tower lacks visible interior access points, suggesting it served specialized defensive or storage functions rather than typical bell tower purposes. Such enigmatic structures often reveal medieval tactics and practical needs tied to daily settlement activities.