Deghdznut Monastery

Deghdznut Monastery is an ancient complex of the Armenian Apostolic Church southwest of the village of Kirants, formerly Getashen, in Tavush Province. It stands in a forest on the slope of Deghdznut Hill, about 9 km from Acharkut. The site offers sweeping views of forested mountains and of historic Berdakar, the fortress of the princes of Mahkanaberd, which rises on a ledge above a deep cliff.

Little reliable information survives about the monastery’s construction or early history, but the style of its monuments suggests that they date from the 13th century. Several dedicatory inscriptions support this dating. The complex remains a valuable monument of Armenian history and culture worthy of preservation and study.