Kaptavank, Medieval monastery in Chinchin, Armenia
Kaptavank is a limestone monastery set in a clearing surrounded by ravines and wooded mountains. The building features two entrances on the southern and western facades, while windows in the southern and northern walls provide light to the interior.
Construction of the monastery began in the middle of the 12th century, with an inscription on the western wall marking its consecration in 1151. This period represented a time of significant religious building across the region.
The monastery displays numerous khachkars carved with geometric patterns and animal figures, including one fragment showing two intertwined birds. These stone crosses represent a local artistic tradition that still defines the site's character today.
The site sits about 5 kilometers southwest of Chinchin village in mountainous terrain. Visitors should expect uneven ground with ravines and wooded areas, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
The building material is limestone with a natural blue tint, which gave the monastery its alternative name, the Blue Monastery. This uncommon coloring sets the structure apart from other religious buildings in the region.
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