Makaravank, a spiritual and cultural center of historical Mahkanaberda, stands as one of the renowned medieval architectural complexes that holds significant historical and cultural value. It distinguishes itself through its elegance, intricate reliefs, and particularly sculptural decorations. This monastery complex is a remarkable example of the harmonious blend between architectural structures and nature. Built during the 10th to 13th centuries, this memorial complex comprises three churches, a narthex, a chapel, and other buildings, and is considered among the likes of Akdamar, Bheno Noravank, and Gandzasar due to its uniqueness, wealth, and diversity of sculptural embellishments.
Constructed from dark pink andesite and red tuff, with additions made of greenish stones, the churches and structures at Makaravank showcase a mesmerizing combination of colors. Despite experiencing the influence of natural forces such as earthquakes and atmospheric phenomena over almost a millennium, this marvelously preserved complex has managed to reach us in partial ruins, yet still retaining its overall integrity.
The early 1980s witnessed a partial restoration of the monastic buildings, although this effort was hindered due to funding issues. In the present day, due to the sudden increase in landslide activity, the monastery faces the imminent danger of complete destruction. To save this memorial complex, immediate implementation of landslide prevention measures is imperative.
The oldest structure of the monastery is a cross-dome church from the 10th century with four annexes. What sets it apart from other similar structures is its rich carved décor of the altar apse and window frames.
The main cathedral of the monastery, Surb Astvatsacin, was built in 1204. Its external design includes well-preserved sundials on the southern façade and a figure of a dove sitting on a console pedestal beneath. The drum of the dome is surrounded by a graceful arcature of twelve arches on paired semi-columns. The narthex, which serves both the aforementioned churches, dates back to the 12th century.
A smaller church, located behind the main ones, was built in 1198. It features a unique transition from a circular base to an octagon for its walls and eventually a proportional dome. The exterior of this monument boasts original reliefs of storks and snakes on the northern side, and a scene of two wild animals clashing over the southern window. An adjoining 13th-century chapel completes the complex.
The monuments of Makaravank, constructed from dark pink andesite, red tuff, and accented with greenish stones, create a picturesque landscape. By the roadside, near the monastery gates, a spring flows through ancient clay pipes, carrying the pure water of history.
The Church of the Holy Mother of God The Church of the Holy Mother of God (Armenian: Սորբ Աստվածածին եկեղեցի) was founded by a certain Abbas Ovannes in 1198 in memory of his parents and brothers, whose sculptures are carved in front of the entrance. The church, of modest size, has a round shape with four apses from the 10th to 13th centuries. It transitions from a lower circular part to an octagon in the upper section, with four triangular niches, each adorned differently. The dome is proportionate to the lower circular part. The decoration of the church is stylistically harmonious with the main cathedral and narthex.
