Goshavank Monastery in Dilijan: complete guide to visiting

Last updated: June 2026

Goshavank Monastery is one of the most historically significant places in northern Armenia. The complex was founded in 1191 by the monk Mkhitar Gosh, a central figure in medieval Armenian culture who wrote the country's first code of laws and compiled a collection of fables that influenced Armenian literature for centuries. The monastery is in the village of Gosh, 18 km from Dilijan.

The complex includes the Church of the Mother of God, the main one in the ensemble, built between 1191 and 1196, and the Church of St Gregory, added in the 13th century. What draws the most attention beyond the churches are the khachkars, the carved stone crosses that medieval Armenian art developed as a unique form of religious expression. At Goshavank, some of the khachkars are considered among the most elaborate preserved in the country.

The monastery received its name in honour of its founder: Goshavank means "monastery of Gosh". The surrounding village was also renamed Gosh in his memory, a recognition of the importance of Mkhitar Gosh in Armenian culture and identity. For those interested in the intellectual and religious history of medieval Armenia, it is a very rich visit.

Is Goshavank Monastery worth visiting?

Yes, especially for those interested in medieval Armenian history. The khachkars of the complex are some of the most detailed in Armenia and the figure of Mkhitar Gosh, whose tomb is in the monastery, is fascinating. For those already going to Haghartsin, Goshavank is in the same direction and adds a different historical layer to the day.

What is Goshavank Monastery?

The monastery was founded by Mkhitar Gosh in 1191, when he retired to the mountainous region of northern Armenia after years at Getik Monastery. Mkhitar Gosh wrote the Datastanagirk, Armenia's first code of laws, and a collection of moral fables in the style of Aesop that circulated widely in medieval Armenian culture.

In addition to the churches and khachkars, the complex has a gavit, the covered entrance hall that is characteristic of Armenian religious architecture. The gavit of the Church of the Mother of God, built in 1197, has a stone vault with an oculus in the centre that creates a very beautiful play of light in the interior. The tomb of Mkhitar Gosh is inside the complex.

How to get there

• By car from Dilijan: 18 km along the main road, 25 minutes
• By taxi from Dilijan: ride with combined wait
• Organised tour: most Dilijan tours include Haghartsin and Goshavank on the same day

How the visit works

The monastery is freely accessible with no fixed times. The internal route includes the two churches, the gavit, the khachkars and the central courtyard.

• Church of the Mother of God: the main one in the complex, built between 1191 and 1196
• Gavit: entrance hall with vault and oculus, from the same period as the church
• Church of St Gregory: added in the 13th century
• Khachkars: carved stone crosses among the most elaborate in Armenia
• Tomb of Mkhitar Gosh: inside the complex, marked with a gravestone

Entry fees

Goshavank Monastery is completely free to visit. There is no ticket office or entry fee. A donation box is available inside the complex.

How long to spend

45 minutes are sufficient to see the churches, the gavit and the main khachkars. For those who want to examine the khachkars more carefully or photograph the architectural details, 1 hour is more comfortable.

Best time to visit

• Morning: softer light and few visitors
• Late afternoon: beautiful side light on the carved khachkars
• Midday: direct light less favourable for photography, but no impact on the visit

Practical tips

• Combine with Haghartsin Monastery on the same day, both are at similar distances from Dilijan
• Look closely at the khachkar details, the level of carving detail is impressive
• The gavit of the Church of the Mother of God has very beautiful light at midday through the roof oculus
• The village of Gosh around is small and peaceful, pleasant for a brief walk
• The monastery is religiously active, respect the space if there is a religious service in progress

Final tip

Goshavank Monastery is the perfect complement to Haghartsin on the same day. While Haghartsin impresses with its forest location, Goshavank impresses with its details: the khachkars, the gavit, the history of Mkhitar Gosh and the quality of 12th century religious architecture. Together they show the best of the monastic tradition in northern Armenia.