Highlights
- Located in Shirak Province, near the village of Sarnaghbyur.
- Also known as the Red Monastery and Dzoragyugh Monastery.
- St. Karapet Church was built in 1205.
- The structure belongs to the domed hall type.
- Built mainly of finely cut red tuff stone.
- Has two entrances: from the west and from the north.
- The dome collapsed during the 1939 earthquake and was restored in the 1980s.
- Fragments of early medieval monuments and khachkars are preserved inside the church.
- Remains of 5th- and 7th-century churches have been preserved nearby.
Did You Know?
- Hogevank is called the Red Monastery because it was built of red tuff stone.
- Traces of church buildings from different centuries can be found in the same area, showing that the site was not a one-time structure but a spiritual center used over a long period.
- The fragments of ancient monuments and khachkars preserved inside the church show that earlier stone monuments were collected or reused here.
- The “Armenian niches” visible on the façades are characteristic elements of medieval Armenian architecture and give the structure a more expressive appearance.
- Hogevank is located in the surroundings of Sarnaghbyur, an area with several other valuable historical and architectural monuments of Shirak.
Nearest Restaurants & Cafés
Yerankyuni
Yerankyuni serves a variety of Armenian and regional dishes, emphasizing fresh ingredients and home-style recipes. The restaurant combines classic flavors with a relaxed dining experience suitable for families, small groups, and individual patrons. It has earned recognition locally for its good service and balanced mix of authentic taste and affordability.
Yaghli House
Yaghli House is a café in Gyumri, Armenia, known for serving traditional Armenian pastries and light meals in a cozy setting. Established in 2013, it has become a popular place for both locals and tourists seeking to experience authentic Gyumri hospitality and regional desserts such as “yaghli,” a symbolic local sweet
Hayat Restaurant & Music Hall
Hayat Music Hall is a live music and event venue in Gyumri, offering a vibrant atmosphere for concerts, performances, and social gatherings. Known for its energetic vibe and quality sound, Hayat brings together local and guest artists, creating an engaging space for music lovers to enjoy live shows, entertainment, and memorable nights out.
Nearest Places
Zagha Pilgrimage Site
Zagha, or the hermitage of St. Gregory the Illuminator, is located in the northern part of Sarnaghbyur village in Shirak Province, carved into the rock. The official name of the sanctuary is Andzavajur, but among the people it is better known as Zagha. According to local tradition, St. Gregory the Illuminator spent some time here in ascetic retreat or took shelter in this place. For this reason, the cave sanctuary became a pilgrimage site where people visit for prayer, vows, and spiritual peace. Inside the pilgrimage site, there is a prayer hall, a water basin, and a separate section connected with the sanctuary. The water is considered healing among locals and pilgrims, while icons, khachkars, spiritual books, and other offerings brought over the years are preserved inside the sanctuary.
Lmbatavank
Lmbatavank is located in Shirak Province, about 1.5-2 kilometers southwest of the town of Artik, on the slope of a hill. It is also known as St. Stephen Church of Lmbatavank or St. Stephen of Sarnaghbyur. The church dates back to the 6th-7th centuries and is considered one of the most elegant early medieval monuments of Shirak. It is a cross-shaped, central-domed structure built of finely cut Artik tuff stone. Although Lmbatavank is small in size, it is architecturally expressive, with upward-looking proportions, a horseshoe-shaped apse, narrow arched windows, and an octagonal drum. Historical sources provide very little information about Lmbatavank, but the inscriptions preserved on the walls offer important details about the later life of the monastery. One of the earliest inscriptions dates to 1191 and is connected with Barsegh, the son of Vahram Pahlavuni. The inscriptions also mention villages donated to the monastery, such as Tsitsk, Sarnaghbyur, Hayrenyats Taghk, and Yardik, the area of present-day Artik. One of the most valuable features of the church is the remains of frescoes preserved inside. They are considered distinctive examples of Armenian monumental painting. The images preserved on the conch of the main apse and the eastern wall are connected with the scene of the “Theophany,” inspired by the vision of the Prophet Ezekiel. The surroundings of Lmbatavank were excavated in 1953-1954. During the excavations, bases of khachkars, graves from the 9th-10th centuries, carved fragments from the 7th-13th centuries, roof tiles, metal tools, and other findings were discovered. In the 1950s, the partially damaged dome, the coverings of the cross-arms, and the cornices of the church were also restored. Today, Lmbatavank stands out with its modest size, dark tuff color, and views opening from the hill. It is an interesting stop for those who want to discover not only the well-known large monasteries of Shirak, but also quiet, ancient church monuments with deep historical value.
Harichavank
Harichavank (also known as Harich Monastery) is one of Armenia's oldest medieval monastic complexes, dating from the 7th to 13th centuries. Located in Harich village, Shirak Province, on a cape formed by ravines at the northern slope of Mount Aragats (about 22 km from Gyumri). The complex features two main churches (St. Gregory from the 7th century and St. Astvatsatsin from 1201), a gavit, cemetery, and other structures. Rebuilt by the Zakaryan princes (Ivane and Zakare) in the 13th century on the site of an older temple, it served as a royal summer residence, renowned school, and scriptorium. Today it is well-preserved, a peaceful tourist spot with stunning views of Aragats and the surrounding landscape.
Panik Bread Museum
The Panik Bread Museum is located in the village of Panik in the Shirak region and is considered one of the most distinctive museums in Armenia. It operates as part of the Petros Nahapetyan History Museum and is dedicated to bread culture, traditional baking practices, and rural life. The museum displays various types of bread, grains, agricultural tools, and historical artifacts preserved by local residents. Founded in 1967 on the initiative of history teacher Petros Nahapetyan, the museum continues to preserve and present the rich bread-making heritage of Shirak.
