Saghmosavank is the 13th-century “Monastery of Psalms,” famous for its unique Scriptorium and its dramatic location on a rocky cliff above the Kasakh Gorge. It is a must-see companion site to Hovhannavank Monastery.
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Saghmosavank (literally — “Monastery of Psalms”) is one of Armenia’s most famous architectural complexes, built during the Golden Age of Armenian architecture (13th century) by the Vachutyan princes. Like its “sister” monastery, Hovhannavank, it stands majestically on the edge of the deep Kasakh Gorge.
The complex includes the main church Surb Sion (Holy Zion), built in 1215, and the unique Scriptorium (Manuscript Repository), added later in 1255. Saghmosavank was a major spiritual and educational center, actively engaged in creating and illustrating manuscripts, many of which survive today. Its name is connected to the tradition of continuous psalm singing at this site.
