Vahanavank stands on a wooded slope near Kapan, the capital of Syunik province. It was founded in 911 AD by Vahan, a son of the local princely house, who is said to have become a monk here, and the monastery went on to serve as a burial place for members of the royal family of Syunik. Its restored stone churches and gavit reflect the architecture of the Bagratuni era, and the surrounding forest and mountain views add to its appeal. Quiet and relatively little visited compared with Tatev, Vahanavank offers a tranquil, historically resonant stop for travelers exploring the deep south of Armenia around Kapan.