Sevanavank, Armenia

Sevanavank monastery complex is located on Sevan Peninsula (formerly Sevan Island). The monastery was founded by Saint Gregory the Illuminator (the first Catholicos of the Armenian church) in 305. Long before the adoption of Christianity in Armenia there was a pagan temple in Sevan Island and in The Bronze Age the Island was surrounded by fortified wall. In IX century Sevan was one of the most important handholds for Princes of Syunik and in 874 the daughter of Prince Ashot Bagratuni, Mariam built two churches on Sevan Island. The one is Arakelots (Apostles) and Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God.