Makaravank monastic complex

Makaravank is a monastic complex of the 10th-13th centuries, located 3 km southwest of Achajur village of Ijevan municipality, on the slope of Paitapat mountain. The complex includes 4 churches, a vestibule that serves the two largest churches, and other buildings that played a secondary role. Once upon a time, there were huge settlements around Makaravank. The oldest church of the complex was built in the 10th-11th centuries. The materials used for its construction were mainly large pieces of rough-hewn red tuff. One of the churches, called Surb Astsvatsatsin Church, was built in 1198 with white stone, on the eastern side of the complex. Saint Astvatsatsin Church was built by the first leader of Makaravank, Hovhannes I, in memory of his parents and brothers. The main church was built in 1205 using pink andesite, red andesite. The monastery complex was renovated and is now operational.