When in Dilijan, there is another must-see place in the area. Tavush as famous for wonderful monastic complexes not far from Dilijan and it will be fair to state that you will have seen Dilijan only after visiting these wonderful destinations. In another article you can find information about things to see in Haghartsin Monastery.
This article is about Goshavank a hidden gem located up in the mountains, and among Tavush forests, in the village of Gosh. The Monastery is only 15 kilometers from the city, and will take maximum 20 minutes to get there. This monastery was named in honor of Mkhitar Gosh, a great Armenian scholar, writer, public figure, thinker, and priest.
Another outstanding theme included into the Book is protection of women’s rights. In Middle Ages, a divorced woman would return to her parents’ home with nothing, while Gosh has included a law that established to divide the joint property between the husband and wife in case of a divorce.
In the 13th century, Goshavank became one of the major religious, educational and cultural centers of Armenia. According to historical sources, there was a higher educational institution here called “university”. In the center, they taught Armenian and foreign languages (Greek, Latin), as well as law, history, and philosophy in addition to arts, miniature painting and songwriting. Interestingly, people who studied in Goshavank later opened spiritual centers in different regions of Armenia.
Goshavank is not a separate monastery, it is a complex of monasteries and churches. It includes St. Astvatsatsin, St. Illuminator, St. Gregory Churches, the bell tower, a book depository, as well as many chapels and cross-stones. Mkhitar Gosh’s burial site is also in the area.
St. Illuminator Church differs from all others by its unique wall frescoes and architectural elements. The book depository in the bell tower structure particularly stands out from the architectural point of view. Once you step into this place, you realize the light does not penetrate it in its usual way.
