Файл:Tanahat monastery (35702291160).jpg

Tanahat monastery, north-western side.

Tanahat Monastery is an 8th-century monastery located in the Vayots Dzor Province of Armenia. Historian Stepanos Orbelian states that it was founded in the 8th century. Stepanos Syunetsi was buried in the monastery in 735, with a chapel built afterwards. Surb Stepanos (St. Stephen) church was built in place of the chapel between the years 1273 to 1279 under the patronage of the Proshian family. It is believed that the monastery once housed Gladzor University, a prominent educational institution in Medieval Armenia.

St. Stephen church has a cruciform interior, while the exterior is rectangular. Built of dark blue polished basalt stone, the building features carvings that are among the finest patterns of the medieval architecture. The southern wall high relief sculpture depicts an eagle with wings spread, clutching a lamb in its talons (crest of the Proshian family).

To the north of Surb Stepanos lies the 13th century single nave Surb Nshan (Holy Sign) church built in polished basalt stone. It has a highly expressive bas-relief carving above the western entry of a mounted horseman attacking a lion.

(sources: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanahat_Monastery and hy.blackseasilkroad.com/en/wiki/Tanahat_monastery_Vayots_...)