Surb Sion Monastery, Herher, 8th-century monastery in Herher, Armenia

Surb Sion Monastery is a complex of two churches and a chapel positioned atop a small cliff surrounded by rocky gorges northeast of Herher village. The structures display Armenian architectural features and sit within a larger religious compound that includes auxiliary buildings.

Founded in the early Middle Ages, the monastery was the spiritual center of the Shahurnetsi princes from the 8th to the 14th century and received many donations. In the 14th century a monk named Methar renovated the complex. In 1349 the scribe Vahan copied a Gospel here. The Church of the Holy Mother of God was built by Prince Vahram Shahurnetsi in 1283, according to its construction inscription.

The courtyard and the ground around the monastery hold khachkars carved between the 8th and 17th centuries, so a visitor can compare cross-stones from different periods in one place. The oldest church, Surb Sion, is built of rough-cut sandstone and plastered inside. The 1283 Church of Surb Astvatsatsin, built by Prince Vahram Shahurnetsi, has an eagle gripping a ram carved on its west facade.

The monastery sits atop a hill with views over the surrounding gorges, so sturdy footwear and careful footing are recommended when visiting. The buildings are in varying states of repair, with some structures requiring ongoing structural work.

In 1349, a scribe named Vahan created a handwritten copy of the Gospel within the monastery walls. This manuscript demonstrates that the site played an important role in Armenian manuscript production and the preservation of knowledge.