Maramashen Monastery is situated in the Shirak region, about a 2.5-hour drive from Yerevan. It is a majestic 10th-century monastic complex, nestled on a plateau above the Akhurian River.
The monastery was founded in the 10th century by Vahram Pahlavuni, a renowned military commander and nobleman. He played a key role in the defense of the Armenian kingdom against Arab invasions during that time.
The monastery was erected between 988 and 1029, and it was intended to serve not only as a spiritual sanctuary, but also as an educational center for the region.
Marmashen’s architecture is typical of the Armenian-Bagratid era. The complex was originally built with five churches, but only three of them are relatively well-preserved today.
The main church St Katoghike is notable with its blind arcading, arched windows, and decorative cornices. Two smaller churches also stand nearby, harmonising in the architectural style of St Katoghike.
There are remains of monastic cells and refectories surrounding the monastery and as in all Armenian monasteries, khachkars—carved cross-stones dating from the 10th to 13th centuries are scattered around the churches.
As mentioned earlier, Marmashen was also an educational center. It hosted monks, scribes, and students who studied theology, philosophy, and the arts.
The monastery was severely damaged during the Seljuk invasion in the 11th century, and again after a series of earthquakes, particularly in the 19th century.
In recent years, however, Armenian authorities and heritage organizations have undertaken preservation efforts, including the restoration of damaged stonework, walls, and the central dome.
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