he monastery of Tatev is the religious center of historic Siunik. The main cathedral of .Peter and Paul, was built in 895-906 A.D. by Bishop Hovhannes (John) of Siunik. All adjacent parts of the Tatev complex are fortified by walls which were added to the natural obstacles of the rocky terrain and hilltop terrain in defense of invading nomads. The vaulted Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator (848 A.D.) abuts to its northern wall. The church of the Virgin Mary was built in the 12th Century over the vaulted ceiling of the monastery main gate and mausoleum. The memorial and pillar (called "the Rocking Column"), is dedicated to the Holy Trinity and was erected in the year 895 A.D. The basic Seventh design consisting of a central dome supported by four isolated columns, was used with the addition of paired alcoves replacing the corresponding columns supporting the dome. The monastery has often been left in ruins as a result of the invasions of the Seljuk Turks and as well as natural phenomenon such as earthquakes. The belfry toppled after the earthquake in 1931.

The Monastery of Tatev

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