Sevanavank: A Monastery Between Sky and Water

#hellohalloween As you climb the stone steps, it seems as if they lead straight to heaven. With each new step, a lake unfolds before you—vast, blue, and endless. And at the top of the hill are two ancient churches, seemingly grown out of the rock itself. This is Sevanavank, a monastery on the Sevan Peninsula. It was built in the 9th century, when the peninsula was still an island. Monks came here to live in solitude—all around them, only the wind, the mountains, and the cold surface of the water. Even today, standing by the walls, you can hear the waves crashing against the stones, and you understand why people called this place sacred. 📍 How to get there The monastery is located in the town of Sevan, approximately 70 kilometers from Yerevan. The drive takes about an hour and a half. A staircase—about 200 steps—leads from the highway to the churches. If you don't have a car, it's easy to get here by minibus or taxi. 👣 What to see — two ancient churches: Surb Arakelots (Holy Apostles) and Surb Astvatsatsin (Mother of God); — a panoramic view of Lake Sevan, stretching all the way to the mountains; — ancient khachkars (stone crosses) on the slope near the walls.