Bardzrakash St.Grigor monastery

Barzrakash St.Grigor’ monastery (X-XIIIcc.) is situated in the Lori district of Armenia, 2 km north-east from Dsegh village, at the shores of Saghudzor River, in the middle of the forest. The monastery has two churches, a bell-tower, chapel and Mamikonyan’s family cemetery.

St.Astvatzatzin (Holy Virgin) Catoghike church was built in 1221 by the son of prince Sargis Mamikonyan - Marzpan. To the south of St.Catoghike there is a bell-tower (1259) and to the north a square-shaped church (Xc.). To the south from the monastery complex there is St.Harutyun chapel (1204). All constructions are made from tuff, bazalt and have numerous ornaments and inscriptions. Because of its white coloring the monastery was also called «Tchermak Vank» (White monastery). Around the monastery there is a spring, cross-stones and a monastery bridge across Saghudzor River, built by Hamlik (Smbat Mamikonyan’s son) and his wife Mamkan.