Saghmosavank Monastery

Saghmosavank monastery is located on the eastern outskirts of the village of Saghmosavan, Aragatsotn district of Armenia. Like the Hovanavank monastery, Saghmosavank is located above the high gorge near the Kasakh River. The Church of Zion in this monastery and the church of St. Karapet in Ovanavank were founded by Vache Vachutyan. They belong to the same type, which has a luxurious cross and high domes. The temples have several domes, which are reflected from the outside. The abbots of the Saghmosavank Temple tell that it was Gregory the Proponent who founded this monastery. And he was called the «Monastery of the Psalms», because the monastic brethren were called to write psalms here. However, there is no other information about the Saghmosavank monastery until 1215, when Prince Vache Vachutyan erected here the temple of Saint Sion (Surb Sion). Later, the Church of St. Astvatsatsin (1235), the vestibule (1250) and the book depository (1255) were built. All these structures are the monastery complex Saghmosavank.