Small church at Tatev

The Tatev Monastery in southern Armenia dates from the 9th century. The monastic ensemble stands on the edge of a deep gorge of the Vorotan River. In the 14th and 15th centuries Tatev Monastery hosted one of the most important Armenian medieval universities, the University of Tatev, which contributed to the advancement of science, religion and philosophy, reproduction of books and development of miniature painting. Scholars of the Tatev University contributed to the preservation of Armenian culture and creed during one of its most turbulent periods in its history. The buildings of the ensemble were severely damaged in a 1931 earthquake and have only been partially restored.