Kobayr Monastery

Kobayr Monastery

Kobayr Monastery
4.5
What people are saying
By Brun066
Both the monastery and the site where it stands should not be overlooked by the traveler.
4.0 of 5 bubblesJul 2021
The Kobayr monastery can be reached from the Vanadzor-Alaverdi highway (along the Debed valley floor) by various paths, all rough and for pedestrians only. We have chosen the longer and less inclined one, starìing from the highway about 1 km. south of the monastery (the path is signposted at the beginning) and reaching the ruins via a pleasant, fairly shady path (which is a notable advantage in summer). Arriving at the monastery, the amazing site where it stands is gradually detected: a concave cliff overlooking the ruins, wich seems wanting to swallow them. Through a last, steep climb you reach the monastery. What is perhaps the main reason of interest of the site, the frescoes in the apse of the main church, depicting Christ with the Apostles and the Fathers of the Church, is currently (2021) poorly visible because it is covered by a scaffolding. On the other hand, restoration is essential, because the collapse of the vault exposes the frescoes to the elements. Also given the relative proximity of Kobayr to the historical territory of Georgia, it is not surprising that the monastery - founded at the end of the 12th century - was in the possession of the Zakarians, a noble Armenian family but vassal of the Georgia kings, in the following century. This explains the jurisdiction over the monastery exercised for a while by the Orthodox Church of Georgia, and the writing in the Georgian alphabet clearly visible on some slabs outside of the left side of the church. The best preserved part of the complex is the huge belfry, from the late 13th century, to which you can ascend, enjoying a beautiful view over the Debed valley. Overall, both the monastery and the site where it stands should not be overlooked by the traveler.

Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.


4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles31 reviews
Excellent
24
Very good
6
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0

Brun066
Florence, Italy13,955 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021
The Kobayr monastery can be reached from the Vanadzor-Alaverdi highway (along the Debed valley floor) by various paths, all rough and for pedestrians only. We have chosen the longer and less inclined one, starìing from the highway about 1 km. south of the monastery (the path is signposted at the beginning) and reaching the ruins via a pleasant, fairly shady path (which is a notable advantage in summer).
Arriving at the monastery, the amazing site where it stands is gradually detected: a concave cliff overlooking the ruins, wich seems wanting to swallow them. Through a last, steep climb you reach the monastery.
What is perhaps the main reason of interest of the site, the frescoes in the apse of the main church, depicting Christ with the Apostles and the Fathers of the Church, is currently (2021) poorly visible because it is covered by a scaffolding. On the other hand, restoration is essential, because the collapse of the vault exposes the frescoes to the elements.
Also given the relative proximity of Kobayr to the historical territory of Georgia, it is not surprising that the monastery - founded at the end of the 12th century - was in the possession of the Zakarians, a noble Armenian family but vassal of the Georgia kings, in the following century. This explains the jurisdiction over the monastery exercised for a while by the Orthodox Church of Georgia, and the writing in the Georgian alphabet clearly visible on some slabs outside of the left side of the church.
The best preserved part of the complex is the huge belfry, from the late 13th century, to which you can ascend, enjoying a beautiful view over the Debed valley.
Overall, both the monastery and the site where it stands should not be overlooked by the traveler.
Written October 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mark D
Havre, MT115 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2011 • Couples
Kobayr is a ruined monastery/convent in the Debed Valley just outside of Tumanyan, Armenia. It is hard to find and a strenuous climb to get to the ruins, but WELL worth the effort. What's there? 3-4 ruined church buildings and several tumbledown sites of stones, numerous ancient holy springs, lots of overgrowth and plenty of snakes. (When we went, August 2011, there was ongoing renovation being carried out, but the crew was pretty small and probably will not be finished for years to come.)

There is plenty of beauty to go around, and lots of interesting twists. The complex was a monastery for women (I never saw any native references to convents; so I assume maybe there was a reason for this), and it had been influenced heavily by Georgian Orthodoxy (which is quite different from Armenian Orthodoxy as the former is Chalcedonian and the latter is pre-Chalcedonian...do a Google search, and it may still not be clear to you, but it is a pretty significant difference). one of the real differences is in decoration. Northern churches have many more frescoes esp. than those in the south of Armenia, and the frescoes at Kobayr are spectacular. they've been conserved over the years and probably repainted, but the designs, which are also echoed at Haghpat, are fascinating with not only Christ as Pantocrator Rex, but also as Jesus serving communion/mass (to the apostles? Armenian/Georgian church fathers?).

How do you find it? This is not meant to be exhaustive or exact, but maybe it'll help you. Taking the highway along the Debed Gorge, just past Tumanyan (which will be on the right), there is a small turnoff to the left which goes under a bridge and stops by a railroad structure (signal house?). Parking by the structure, take the main path uphill. You will go through/by a handful of houses just before the path gets steep and slushy. Once you find a small, basically modern spring shrine, you know you're on the right path. There are some steps, but not enough to call the path developed; it is mostly a 'used' path and the water from the springs up the mountain can make climbing messy, but we never felt in danger.
Written December 1, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Meghrig S
Beirut, Lebanon172 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2015 • Couples
Kobayr monastery ruins is definitely a must see. It is situated in Lori province on the west side of Alaverdi road. The car drops you off at the bottom of the mountain at a train railway, from there you see long steps from which you climb up steeply up the side of the gorge. Watch for some mud while going up the forest. On your way up you see a few old houses and old ladies who might want to sell you local fruits they have harvested from the forest. Once you're up there you will see how beautiful the ruins are. There are some frescoes inside too. When we went there in September 2015 there were men working on reconstruction.
Make sure to go behind the monastery and see the caves to your right.
Kobayr monastery has a strong influence of Georgian style as you see some Georgian inscriptions and designs.
The hike is well worth it as this is a very beautiful site to see.
Written October 5, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

akonopl
Moscow, Russia205 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2012 • Couples
- a very old monastery hidden in the mountains
- to get there you need to walk about 800 m up the mountain through an armenian small village
- the stairs upwards are slippery and muddy so wear protected shoes or hike boots
- there are amazing old frescos that survived the centuries
- the view of the mountains and the river is amazing
Written May 12, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Edgar E
Yerevan, Yerevan, Armenia13 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2015
Kobayr is a 13th century Armenian monasterial complex, with strong influence of Georgian culture, dominant those times in North and Central Armenia.
Kobayr is situated on the top of the mountain. To reach there, you should turn to left from Vanadzor-Alaverdi road (currently, tripadvisor registers Kobayr as "Kobayr Monastery, Dsegh, Armenia, however Kobayr is not on the way to Dsegh).
When you turn to left (the point to turn from - 41.002083, 44.644811) there is a very narrow pass under a train tunnel (see photo). Well, if your car can pass it, then you are lucky, so you can drive through that road till the bottom of the monastery. If your car can't or you are tracking, than you should walk app. 1 km, until you reach the place where road ends (as I said, at the bottom of the monastery). Then you "climb" the mountain via ladders (modern and medieval). I assure you, it is totally safe: no extreme, no danger. Then, you are in Kobayr monastery. Congratulations.
P.S. There is also one more way to Kobayr, however it is more difficult, so try this one. Have a nice trip.
Written September 14, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Zufi
Armenia51 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021 • Family
Amazing place, worth the partially steep climb. Nice little village the path goes through, kids, dogs, ducks, grandmas watching the travelers.
Written August 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Justin W
Canberra, Australia387 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2018 • Friends
It is a steep 15-20 minute climb from the road. Its currently being restored and the frescoes are preserved with a temporary roof over them. Its a nice spot to visit as the tour buses don't come here.
Written July 9, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

saroohanyan
Alaverdi, Armenia11 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2017
Tsaghkashat is a village in Lori province, located on the slope of Srblis mountain; the village is surrounded with forests and and is considered to be one of the most naturally beautiful places in Armenia. Mining water spring plenty of fruit trees and bushes of berries are spread around the village, which can be used by the visitors in free of charge. As the road to Tsaghcashat is currently in bad condition till now few people've known about the village or gone there, but from this year hiking and horseback riding tours are organised between Haghpat and Tsaghkashat by local guides who know english and other foreign languages.
Written June 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Bram de Muijnck
Dordrecht, The Netherlands108 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2016 • Couples
a climb hiking to this monastery is good and at the end you have a very good view over the region. Fresco's of Jezus are great. a beautiful place to be , to pray and to think about the spirit of history
Written May 22, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Elen Asatryan
Yerevan, Armenia1,053 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2015 • Family
Kobayr is a 12th-century Georgian monastery located in the village Kober within Lori marz, Armenia.

The monastery was built on a brink of a deep gorge, in 1171, by the Kyurikid princes, a junior branch of the Bagratuni royal house of Armenia.
Written October 31, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Showing results 1-10 of 20
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

Kobayr Monastery, Dsegh

All things to do in Dsegh
RestaurantsFlightsVacation RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental Cars