Hayravank Monastery
Hayravank Monastery
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
92 reviews
Excellent
47
Very good
41
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Mark D
Havre, MT116 contributions
Aug 2011 • Couples
My wife & I had a long day, driving from Sevanavank all the way to the top of the pass south of Lake Sevan to see the Caravanseray (which is interesting if you're going from here to there, but definitely not worth the relatively grueling drive if you're not). We were, honestly, disappointed by Sevanavank and were not really interested in the post-Soviet attractions along Lake Sevan (if you're in Armenia and really need a dip, Sevan is your best option, but I wouldn't suggest it either as a destination; if you're a water-sign person and just need wild H2O, find one of the countless ancient holy springs across Armenia for a more enlivening experience!).
We stopped at a sad little run-down concession stand by the road (where we played with an adorable puppy and met a wonderful woman as our hostess) and decided to retreat back to our hotel, but if we found Hayrivank (we'd missed a few others driving), we would stop. I'm glad we did!
The church itself is far more picturesquely situated than Sevanavank and, although not as well doctored, is far more interesting architecturally. Additionally, if you take/make/have some time, explore the area just to the north of the church and explore some of the ruins of settlements dating back as far as the Bronze Age (but mostly medieval...still fascinating). The ruins are completely undeveloped, but huge fun for any history/archaeology geek (which my wife is not, but she enjoyed the ruins, too).
For us, the recommended itinerary around Lake Sevan would be 1) morning coffee in Sevan, 2) a short, late-morning stop at Sevanavank (it's worth an hour anyway), 3) head down to the Khachkar field at the cemetary in Noratus and stay there a good couple of hours just poking around (and trying to ignore the girls pestering you to buy their knitted socks), 4) grab some street food at Noratus or along the lake shore, 5) spend the afternoon exploring Hayrivank and it's associated ruins...maybe even go for a swim - you're here, after all, and finally 6) head back into Sevan to wander around the markets for the late afternoon.
We stopped at a sad little run-down concession stand by the road (where we played with an adorable puppy and met a wonderful woman as our hostess) and decided to retreat back to our hotel, but if we found Hayrivank (we'd missed a few others driving), we would stop. I'm glad we did!
The church itself is far more picturesquely situated than Sevanavank and, although not as well doctored, is far more interesting architecturally. Additionally, if you take/make/have some time, explore the area just to the north of the church and explore some of the ruins of settlements dating back as far as the Bronze Age (but mostly medieval...still fascinating). The ruins are completely undeveloped, but huge fun for any history/archaeology geek (which my wife is not, but she enjoyed the ruins, too).
For us, the recommended itinerary around Lake Sevan would be 1) morning coffee in Sevan, 2) a short, late-morning stop at Sevanavank (it's worth an hour anyway), 3) head down to the Khachkar field at the cemetary in Noratus and stay there a good couple of hours just poking around (and trying to ignore the girls pestering you to buy their knitted socks), 4) grab some street food at Noratus or along the lake shore, 5) spend the afternoon exploring Hayrivank and it's associated ruins...maybe even go for a swim - you're here, after all, and finally 6) head back into Sevan to wander around the markets for the late afternoon.
Written December 1, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anastasia M
Montreal, Canada6 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
Little monastery with a nice view over the lake. We stopped there on our way and liked the place. It's not very touristic so it kept its charm. However, I'm not sure if it's worth a special trip
Written August 5, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brun066
Florence, Italy13,518 contributions
Apr 2015 • Friends
As the suffix "vank" shows, this was a monastery. But today just survive the church (which dates back to the ninth century) and the "gavit", ie the atrium, which in Armenia is very often larger and more imposing than the church itself.
Around there are some khatchkars (carved crosses), made more impressive by the fact that lichens have completely covered some, giving them a nice bright yellow colour.
Finally (and this is the prerogative of many Armenian churches) it has an enviable position in the domain of a promontory overlooking the lake; position that we appreciate today is for the view that it allows, but that by the people and by the architects of the ancient times was probably motivated by the fact that a prominent position increased the symbolic value of the building.
Around there are some khatchkars (carved crosses), made more impressive by the fact that lichens have completely covered some, giving them a nice bright yellow colour.
Finally (and this is the prerogative of many Armenian churches) it has an enviable position in the domain of a promontory overlooking the lake; position that we appreciate today is for the view that it allows, but that by the people and by the architects of the ancient times was probably motivated by the fact that a prominent position increased the symbolic value of the building.
Written May 3, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Areg G
Yerevan, Armenia218 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Really nice church, unique for Sevan lakes region (Gegharkunik’s style), Also there is a astonishing view to Lake Sevan.
Near Hayravank you can stop in Gavar city, eat Pakhlava or Qyuvta there.
Near Hayravank you can stop in Gavar city, eat Pakhlava or Qyuvta there.
Written August 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mylene_Laurent
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates261 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
Even though it is not as high as Sevanavank, Hayravank also offers stunning views of the lake and is less touristy so more serene. The site is under refurbishment but the church part is already done so definitely worth stopping. The grounds around the monastery deserve a little walk as well!
Written August 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zerg29
68 contributions
I can say this is the best in Armenia. During winter, make sure that you are really wrapped up, as in literally as you have to climb up to really see the beauty of the lake and its surrounding mountains. This place is a must in Armenia. I nearly missed to see the real beauty of this place because I am afraid of heights and we have to climb up approx. 250 steps to the top. I just gathered courage despite the strong and cold winds lashing me. It's a worthy try then.
Written January 2, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tomas Å
Sollentuna, Sweden191 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
This monastery is much nicer than Sevenavank. Almost no others when we were there and almost as good views.
Written July 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jothilingam E
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates1,258 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
This monastery is 9th to 12th century period which is very old by history itself.
Located in Hayravank village near by on the south west shores of Lake Seven with amazing view from the comlex.
Just on the top of hill rock with stone structures...(Lots of Lizards...beware while walking around)
Maintenance work in progress now...no shops ...not much crowd.
Must visit to admire history of Armenia
Authority,please change or renevate the display board(visitors should know the amazing and historic updates)..Should be preserved for yougsters to know about FANTASTIC ARMENIA COUNTRY
Located in Hayravank village near by on the south west shores of Lake Seven with amazing view from the comlex.
Just on the top of hill rock with stone structures...(Lots of Lizards...beware while walking around)
Maintenance work in progress now...no shops ...not much crowd.
Must visit to admire history of Armenia
Authority,please change or renevate the display board(visitors should know the amazing and historic updates)..Should be preserved for yougsters to know about FANTASTIC ARMENIA COUNTRY
Written August 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gayane H
Yerevan, Armenia39 contributions
Jul 2018 • Friends
The monastery has stunning location, you can admire the Sevan lake from above.
The monastery and the surroundings are very beautiful. You can feel the spiritual aura inside the monastery!
The monastery and the surroundings are very beautiful. You can feel the spiritual aura inside the monastery!
Written August 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shavy
Roeselare, Belgium7,169 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
You climb to get there, the monastery is very small and you have to pay to get inside. The surrounding is beautiful with views over the lakes
Written August 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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