Ilikavank, also known as Paravi Vank (the Old Woman's Monastery), is located on the southeastern side of the village of Lanjaghbyur, not far from a cyclopean fortress, on the slope of the hill called "Paravi Dar."
In the highest part of the cyclopean fortress, the citadel has partly survived. The fortress, together with its settlement, occupied an area of about 70 hectares.
No inscriptions have survived, but in the 11th–12th centuries it is mentioned as the hermitage of Ilikavan. Ilikavank is, on the interior, a cross-shaped, centrally-domed structure. The main apse is in the east, and the only entrance is from the west. The dome's drum is octagonal and has windows on the eastern, western, and southern sides. The transition to the dome is achieved by means of squinches. The walls use mainly local dark brown basalt, river stone, and lime mortar. The church was restored in 2011.
A beautiful tradition has been preserved about Ilikavank.
It is said that an old woman, who found it difficult to visit the monasteries of neighboring villages to pray, decided to build a monastery in her own village by her own efforts.
Every day she spun thread with a spindle (ilik), wove various fabrics, sold them, and with the money she earned, built the monastery. For this reason the monastery is called Ilikavank ("Spindle Monastery") or Paravavank ("Old Woman's Monastery"), in memory of her faith, patience, and devotion.
