Arkazi Surb Khach, Ancient monastery in Vernashen, Armenia.
Arkazi Surb Khach is a monastery in Vernashen featuring a church with a central dome constructed from sandstone. The interior shows a system of arches and arcades that support the dome and connect the surrounding spaces.
The monastery was founded in the 8th century and underwent major restoration in the 1870s. This reconstruction helped preserve the damaged structure and allowed it to continue its religious purpose.
The monastery served as a pilgrimage destination where visitors came to venerate a relic housed in its southeast chapel. People traveled from nearby areas to experience this sacred place and participate in religious life.
The monastery is accessible year-round, with the best visiting season from March through autumn when weather conditions are mild. During these months, paths around the grounds remain dry and daylight hours are longer.
The monastery was part of a communication system with other religious sites in the area that used fire light signals. This method allowed rapid message transmission between distant monasteries and religious centers.
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