Guide to Tatev Monastery in Armenia [2024]

View of Tatev Monastery in Armenia

Tatev Monastery is one of Armenia’s most recognisable attractions, but it takes quite a bit of effort to get there from Armenia’s capital, Yerevan. We’re here to answer all your questions about Tatev, in this short Guide to Tatev Monastery.

Where is Tatev Monastery?

Aerial shot of Tatev Monastery

Tatev Monastery is located in Tatev, Armenia. Situated in the Southeast of the country, close to Azerbaijan and only some 130km away from the border with Iran, Tatev is about 250km away from Armenia’s capital, Yerevan. It takes about 4.5 hours to get from Yerevan to Tatev by driving.

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How do I get to Tatev Monastery?

View from the Wings of Tatev tramway

The first thing you need to do is drive from wherever you are (whether in Yerevan or otherwise), to a location called Wings of Tatev, or Tatever. This is a mountain cable car station which will take you on a cable journey from Halidzor to Tatev Monastery.

Tatev Monastery, seen from the Wings of Tatev

Astonishingly, with a length of 5.7km (3.5 miles), it is the longest reversible aerial tramway built in only one section, and currently holds the record for ‘Longest non-stop double track cable car’, according to the Guinness World Records.

The Wings of Tatev cable car currently holds a Guinness World Record.

The tramway was finished in October 2010, and currently serves as the main way visitors can get to Tatev Monastery. So, you’ll have to park your car at the Wings of Tatev car park before visiting the monastery.

It can get pretty packed on the cable car, so get into the car early to secure your spot.

The ride takes about 10-15 minutes and can get pretty packed with people, so come early to secure a good spot in the cabin for the best views!

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Brief History of Tatev Monastery

Read on to find out more about Tatev Monastery!

Tatev Monastery is considered to be one of Armenia’s most important monasteries. Before Tatev became a monastery complex, it was previously a pagan temple, and then a modest church in the 4th century. Finally, in the 9th century, it was converted into the monastery complex you see now.

Asher at Tatev Monastery

In the 14th and 15th centuries, the University of Tatev was an active educational institute on the monastery site. This university is considered to be one of the most important Armenian medieval universities, as it significantly contributed to the advancements of religion, philosophy, science and education.

Tatev Monastery from above

Thus, this monastery played a substantial role in the developments of the region as an important base for economics, politics, spirituality and culture in Armenia.

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Best Viewpoints of Tatev Monastery

Where can you find the best views of Tatev Monastery?

You might be wondering where the best viewpoints of Tatev are located. We’ve got you covered! Capturing stunning images of Tatev was our number one priority when visiting, and we can’t wait to help you out.

1. Tatev viewpoint

View from Tatev viewpoint

We don’t know if there’s an official name for this viewpoint, but it’s simply named ‘Tatev viewpoint’ on Google Maps.

This is by far the best place to take pictures of the monastery complex, as you not only get the complex within your frame, but you also get to capture the stunning surrounding mountains

Look for ‘Tatev viewpoint’ on your GPS app

Ralph at Tatev viewpoint

From Tatev Monastery, ‘Tatev viewpoint’ is only about a 17-minute walk.

2. Inside the monastery complex

Inside Tatev Monastery Complex

When you first enter the complex, you might notice that you can take the stairs all the way up to the top of the monastery. Go up the stairs, and you’ll be treated to an elevated view of Tatev.

One of the viewpoints inside Tatev Monastery

Although you won’t get a view of the monastery, there are also several viewing points from inside the monastery that are worth checking out.

3. From the Wings of Tatev tramway

Inside the Wings of Tatev aerial tramway

If you manage to get a good spot in the cable car, you’ll be able to see a view of the monastery, just jutting out from the greenery as you approach the complex. The view doesn’t last long as you’re moving – so get your camera ready for that!

4. Entrance point of Tatev Monastery

Ralph at the Tatev Monastery entry arch

Entry to Tatev Monastery

Many people miss this one, as they usually walk straight past it – but the entrance archway of the monastery complex is actually a great photo op to take shots of the monastery.

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Prices and Opening Hours

Wings of Tatev

The opening hours of Wings of Tatev changes from month to month, so it’s best to check their official website for the current opening hours. But generally, the first cable car leaves at 10:00am in the morning, and the last one leaves at about 5:30pm.

Ticket to ‘TaTever’ (Wings of Tatev) with price listed

Admission into the cable car is dependent on the type of ticket and season you visit, but for most of the year, an adult roundtrip ticket costs 7,000AMD (around 18 USD).

Tatev Monastery

Ralph in front of Tatev Monastery – make sure you visit during opening hours

The prices and opening hours of Tatev Monastery are tied to the prices and opening hours of Wings of Tatev, so again, you should check their official website for more information.

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Other Monasteries in Armenia

There are so many amazing monasteries in Armenia to visit, with Tatev just being one of them. Wondering where else to visit? Check out our blog post Which Monasteries Should I Visit in Armenia?

What did you think of Tatev Monastery? Let me know in the comments below!

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