Monasteries

The main church of the lower part of the monastery, St. Nshan (Holy Sign) is a single-nave church built in 1187 by princes Zakare and Ivaneh Zakarians, and topped with a bell tower in 1290. The only entrance to the church is adorned with a high relief depicting Jesus Christ. Adjacent to St. Nshan church is another single-nave church, next to which a small chapel was built in 1201. About 25 meters north of the St. Nshan church is the St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) chapel built in 1301, next to it there are ruins of another chapel, St. Apostle. A large number of 13th-century khachkars are found around the complex.

The upper part of the monastery that sits on the plateau above was built by the monks of Horomayr, and although it stands apart from the main complex and is somewhat secluded, it is still a part of Horomayr monastery. The “Monastery on the edge of the canyon” consists of three connected structures; two single-nave churches almost equal in size and the narthex between them create a beautiful symmetry.

The northern church and the 13th-century narthex, which also serves as an entrance to both churches, are built with felsite stone of yellowish and brown hue, while for the construction of the southern church built in 1206 dark grey basalt stones were used. This gives the complex a rather unusual look.

The lower part of the monastic complex of Horomayr is accessible by foot only. You can hike either from the Kobayr monastery or the village of Odzun, the latter being the shortest option. A great hiking trail runs from Kobayr monastery to the village Odzun via Horomayr monastery’s lower part, offering an opportunity to not only visit important religious sites of medieval Armenia, but also enjoy stunning views of the Debed canyon along the way. This trail is available in the HikeArmenia app. Note that the upper complex of Horomayr monastery is accessible by foot, car or bicycle from Odzun village, but you cannot get there from the lower part directly.

Kobayr was founded as a priory in 1171 by Mariam, the daughter of King Kiurike II of the Kingdom of Lori. The expansion of the monastic complex began in the end of 12th-beginning of 13th cc, when Kobayr was acquired by the Zakarian noble family loyal to the Georgian court. The Zakarians converted the monastery to Chalcedonian faith, a Christian doctrine that was followed by the Georgian church. It was during this time that most of the buildings of the complex were built, including the cathedral, the belfry-sepulcher, the refectory, the sacristy, and others. And this is the reason why, along with Armenian inscriptions on the walls, texts in Georgian are found here as well.

The Zakarians introduced a new architectural style, with elements commonly found in Georgian churches. One of the most notable changes was the addition of rich and exquisite frescoes which embellished the interiors, contrary to the more conservative and minimalist decoration of the interior of Armenian churches. The fresco on the apse above the altar of the main church, the Cathedral of Mother Mary, for example, depicts Madonna and baby Jesus with archangels on both sides, the scene of Eucharist, and figures of saints.

Standing next to the Cathedral of Mother Mary is the smaller church known as Mariamashen (meaning “built by Mariam”). An inscription at the entrance of this church states that it was built in 1171, so it is considered the oldest structure of the complex. Another notable structure of the Kobayr monastery is the belfry-sepulcher, dated back to 1279, representing a rare combination of a bell tower and a burial site.

Today, the monastic complex of Kobayr is accessible by foot only, via the village of Kober. The monastery is also the starting point of a popular hiking trail that runs along the slope of the canyon to the village of Odzun via another medieval monastery, Horomayr. If you’re looking for some breathtaking views of the Debed canyon, make sure to walk this trail, also available in the HikeArmenia app.