Your trusted source

‘Service for the Protection of Historical Environment and Cultural Museum Reservations’ Non Commercial State Organization of the Ministry of Culture of Armenia reports a critical condition of Shatinvank. Situated in Vayots Dzor province of Armenia, Shativank is on the verge of collapsing. The monastery is almost in ruins. The cobblestones of the roof have fallen. Separate parts have become dangerous. Stones are scattered around the monastery. A part of the building collapsed this year. However, nothing is being done towards the restoration of the monastery complex.

Shativank is situated 4 km to the east of the village Shatin, on the right side of the gorge of the same name. According to several sources, it was built in 929, under the reign of King Abas I Bagratuni. It consists of a church and other residential blocks for monks. The buildings have lost their original appearance due to further restorations.

The church is a three-nave basilica with 3 entrances and 8 windows. Later, during restorations the altar was decorated with frescos. Only a part of one of the frescos has been preserved. On the southern part of the monastery, several other buildings are preserved.

Shatin Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries of Vayots Dzor province. It was also one of the largest educational centres of Syunik, in the XVII century consisting of a large congregation (70-90 monks), a school and a library.