Yeghegnadzor

Yeghegnadzor is the administrative centre of Vayots Dzor Region. It is situated in the southeastern part of Armenia on the banks of the Srkghonk River, a tributary of the Arpa River. The city is 123 km south of the capital Yerevan, at the height of 1194 meters above sea level. The climate is mild with snowy winters and warm summers.

History of Yeghegnadzor

The name of the city consists of two Armenian words: "yegheg" meaning "cane" and "dzor" meaning "valley", so the name means "valley of canes". It is one of the oldest residences of Armenia. The city was first mentioned in the 5th century. It belonged to the Vayots Dzor canton of Syunik which was the 9th province of Great Armenia.

Many churches, monastic complexes, bridges and caravanserais were built in the city during the 10th-13th centuries.

In 1747, when Eastern Armenia was still under Iranian rule, the city became part of Nakhichevan Khanate and was known as Keshishkend. In 1935 it was renamed Mikoyan after the politician and Bolshevik leader Anastas Mikoyan. In 1956 the town got its present name.

Sights of Yeghegnadzor

Yeghegnadzor is the historical and cultural centre of Vayots Dzor. Many ancient churches are located here. The most popular place in the town is the Noravank Monastery of the 13th-14th centuries. Zorats St. Astvatsatsin Church (Holy Mother of God) is another work of art to see in Yeghegnadzor. 

The Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God of the 12th century (also known as St. Sarkis) serves as the seat of the Vayots Dzor Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church. 

Not far from the town of Yeghegnadzor is Spitakavor Monastery of the Holy Mother of God which was built in 1321. It is a remarkable monastery isolated in nature with the stunning surrounding scenery. The remains of the Armenian national hero and military leader Garegin Nzhdeh were secretly buried in the yard of Spitakavor Monastery in the 1980s. He had died in a Soviet prison in 1955.

The historic University of Gladzor of the 13th century was located at the outskirts of Yeghegnadzor. It was a great centre of learning which operated until 1340. 

In 1984 on the 700th anniversary of Gladzor University, the Historic-Cultural Preserve-Museum of Gladzor University was established in the historic church of Surb Hakob (St. Jacob) in Vernashen village.

There is also an archaeological museum in the town, as well as an art school, a sports school and a musical academy.

The popular harvest festival takes place in Yeghegnadzor every year on the second Sunday of October.