Home to one of Armenia’s most famous monasteries, Tatev is a tiny village in the mountains of Syunik Province. It lies at one end of the Wings of Tatev, a cable car featured in the “Guinness Book of Records”.
On the edge of the village is the Tatev Monastery, which was originally established in the 9th century as the seat of the bishop of Syunik. It rises above a deep gorge overlooking the Vorotan River and hosted one of Armenia’s most important medieval universities. Adjacent to the monastery is the Tatev Oil Mill where monks once produced oil from hemp, linseed and sesame.
Connecting the Tatev Monastery to the village of Halidzor is the Wings of Tatev, the longest, non-stop double-track cable car in the world. Throughout its 5.7-kilometre-long journey, it offers magnificent views across the Vorotan Gorge and the rugged landscapes of Syunik.
Getting there
Tatev is around 4.5 hours’ drive from Yerevan and Zvartnots International Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and the Middle East. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting to Tatev and the village is small enough to explore on foot.