Gtchavank medieval monastery is located near the village of Hadrut( region in Artsakh), near Togh village. Famous dome of Gtchavank from far away is seen in northwestern slope of mount Toghasar or Chvadzor. Gtchavank with it`s high architectural features is one of the most famous among monuments of ancient architecture. Gtchavank has the stamp of Bagratuni architectural style. Stonemason masters of Artsakh never limited their architectural environment. They took new things and more beautiful from other regions. Gthchavank with magnificent harmony of nature, proportions of various parts of the complex, discreet forms of frant wall design, is quite unique.
From historical sourses is known that since ancient times Gthchavank was political and spiritual center of ”Armenian Easter Parts”. As residence of the bishops is mentioned since the early middle ages. Gtchavank is expanded with new buildings in the middle of 13-th century, during the period of princes of Dizak the power reaches it`s peak(especially the period of Melik Avan) and it becomes one of the famous prominent monasteries of Armenia. Rich lapidary inscriptions that are carved on the walls of monastery gives important information about the medieval history of province. Stored materials confirm that the monastery was destroyed during Arab domination. On the base of old structure main church of Gtchavank was built by two brothers bishops Ter Sargis anf Ter Vrdanes, who moved from Amaras. The construction started in 1241 and ended 7 years later, in 1248. The same inscription tells about the terrible events that ruined this country, destroyed Amaras. That`s why 2 bishops collect here unity remains of Amaras. In inscription was not only marked dates of construction of the monastery, which were donated to the monastery by heirs of King Gagik and other donors.
Gtchavank consists of main chirch, vestibule and a few churches. Ruins of residential buildings are still preserved in the western side of the wall. Cemetery extends around the monastery, most of it is destroyed. Together with the surrounding economic and residential buildings was a complete arcgitectural structure.
Some decorative motivs of the main church reminds the decoration of Gandzasar and Amaras churches. This, of course, is not accidental, as noted, the church was built by the beshops of the diocese of Amaras. It`s essential that being spiritual and cultural center of Dizak, it has important role in cultural life of this monastery. It was the place were bishops gathered, very famous copies were kept here, some of them are still kept. In 19-th century abbot of Gtchavank monastery Arakel Kostandyan for 18 years wrote a historical and ethnographic manuscript work, which is fully protected in Institute of Ancient Monuscripts named after Mesrop Mashtots.
Thus, Gtchavank with it`s architectural value enriches old architectural treasure, firmly standing next to monuments such as the monastery of Gandzasar and Dadi(Khutavank).
