Discovering Sanahin MonasteryNestled in the Lori Province of Armenia, Sanahin Monastery stands as a testament to Armenia’s rich spiritual and architectural heritage. Founded in the 10th century, this ancient site offers visitors a glimpse into the past with its well-preserved structures and fascinating history.The Meaning Behind SanahinThe name “Sanahin” translates to “this one is older…
Religious Structures
Noravank Monastery
Noravank Monastery: Armenia’s Gem of Spiritual and Architectural BrillianceNestled in a narrow gorge carved by the Amaghu River, Noravank Monastery showcases 13th-century Armenian architecture. Located 122 km from Yerevan, near Yeghegnadzor, the monastery stands out with its stunning surroundings. Tall, brick-red cliffs frame its elegant structures. The standout feature is the two-storey Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy…
Khor Virap Monastery
Khor Virap Monastery: A Deep Dive into HistoryKhor Virap Monastery, which means “deep dungeon,” is a significant site in Armenia, located on the Ararat Plain near the border with Turkey. About 8 kilometers south of Artashat, this monastery is steeped in religious and historical importance. Its proximity to the ancient city of Artashat and the…
Tatev Monastery
The Historic Tatev Monastery: A Journey Through TimeLocated on a basalt plateau near the village of Tatev in southeastern Armenia, Tatev Monastery stands as a testament to Armenia’s enduring Christian heritage. This 9th-century Armenian Apostolic monastery perches dramatically on the edge of a deep gorge carved by the Vorotan River. Tatev has long been the…
Great Mosque of Samarra
The Great Mosque of Samarra: A Testament to Architectural GrandeurThe Great Mosque of Samarra, a marvel of 9th-century architecture, stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Abbasid era. Commissioned by Caliph Al-Mutawakkil and completed in 851, this mosque was once the largest in the world.Historical SignificanceConstructed between 848 and 851, the mosque is…
Sojiwan Temple
Sojiwan Temple: A Jewel of Javanese HeritageSojiwan Temple, sometimes spelled Sajiwan, stands as a testament to the rich cultural and historical heritage of Central Java. This 9th-century AD Mahayana Buddhist temple, located in Kebon Dalem Kidul village near Prambanan, boasts a fascinating history intertwined with volcanic eruptions, royal patronage, and painstaking restoration efforts.Historical BackgroundThe Rukam…