Arates monastery, Medieval monastic complex in Vayots Dzor Province, Armenia

Arates monastery is a medieval monastic complex perched on a hilltop in Vayots Dzor Province, featuring the Church of Saint Sion and the Church of Saint Astvatsatsin. The site includes two narthexes and is positioned near the Yeghegis River with remnants of ancient walls still visible.

In 1073 a certain Artavazd donated the Yeghegis orchard and estates to the monastery. In 1220 Prince Vasak Khaghbakyan had the liberation of Vayots Dzor's fortresses recorded on its wall. At the end of the 13th century Archbishop Stepanos Orbelian gave Arates with its lands to Noravank as a summer residence, and in 1301 he donated eight villages of the Gegharkunik district to the monastery.

The name Arates is explained by a legend as coming from the Armenian words ari (come) and tes (see). The grounds hold cross-stones and tombstones from the 10th to the 17th centuries, the oldest inscription dating to 907 and the most recent to 1713.

The site is located roughly 150 kilometers from Yerevan and can be accessed on foot to explore the structures. Sturdy footwear is recommended as the terrain is uneven with some unpaved paths.

The oldest inscription at Arates dates to 907 and the latest to 1713, spanning more than eight centuries of use. In 1220 Prince Vasak Khaghbakyan had the liberation of Vayots Dzor's fortresses recorded on the monastery wall, turning the building itself into a public record.