Tatev Monastery on the Plateau

The Tatev Monastery is a 9th-century Armenian Apostolic Christian monastery on a basalt plateau near the Vorotan River gorge.

Development began when the site became a bishopric seat. Prince Ashot provided financial assistance for the new construction.

The Saints Paul and Peter Church was built between 895 and 906. French artists decorated its walls with frescoes in 930.

In 1170, Seljuk Turks burnt some 10,000 manuscripts. Bishop Stepanos rebuilt the monastery near the end of the 13th century.

The University of Tatev operated during the 14th and 15th centuries, contributing to science, religion, philosophy and miniature painting.

Tatev Monastery housed many monks and artisans together.

The pendulous column called Gavazan was built in 906. It is about 8 meters tall. The structure sways to warn of earthquakes.

The Wings of Tatev aerial tramway opened in October 2010. It holds the Guinness World Record for longest non-stop double track cable car.