Tatev monastery – the jewel of Armenian architecture of the middle ages. It is located in southern Armenia, in the center of the Syunik Marz, 315 km from Yerevan and 30 km from the town of Goris, on the right Bank of the Vorotan river, near the village of Tatev.

The monastery was built in the IX - XIII century and consecrated in honor of Saint Eustache, disciple of the Apostle Thaddeus, who, like his master, preached Christianity and died a Martyr for the new faith.

First Church of the monastic complex was built in the IX century At that time in the monastery there were a few monks. In XIII century Tatev monastery became a residence of Syunik's bishops. With 1390 in 1435 at the monastery worked for the University of Tatev, which is the biggest centre of philosophical and scientific thought of the middle Ages. The University was headed by philosophers, educators and prominent public figures O. Vorotnetsi and G. Tatevatsi.

In 848 G. Prince Philip built the first Church consecrated in the name of St. Gregory the illuminator, but it was twice destroyed. In 1295 at the same place and the same name was built a Church with a narthex on the West side. The Church Of St. Grigor Lusavorich with vaulted prayer hall and a semi-circular altar is attached to the main temple in the South-Eastern part.

The main Church of the monastery of Tatev - the Church. Poghos-Petros. It was built in 895-906, 895 G. Bishop Hovhannes destroyed the old Church, and in its place built a new one. The Bishop was removed from the walls of the old Church the relics of the apostles Poghos and Petros, and again placed them in the walls of the newly built Church.

The main attraction of the monastery is "Kawasan", which is a swinging column, mounted in 904 G. near living quarters of the monastery. Eight-meter stone pillar surmounted by a cross stone. The main feature of this design is that octagonal pole can bend and return to its original position.

Unique examples of Armenian architecture include the Church of St. Astvatsatsin Church, built in 1087 g.

Church buildings are surrounded by built in XVII - XVIII century Abbot's quarters, storerooms, vaulted refectory with a kitchen, a bell tower, office and residential space.