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Archaeologists conducting ongoing excavations at the Great Hermitage of Tatev, a medieval Armenian monastery located in the Vorotan river valley in the Syunik Province, have uncovered the monastery complex's medieval spring, whose precise location had remained unknown for a long time, the Scientific Research Center for Historical and Cultural Heritage has said.
The research center, in cooperation with the French Embassy, is continuing large-scale archaeological excavations at the Great Hermitage of Tatev under the leadership of expedition leader, archaeologist Arman Nalbandyan. The excavations have revealed various parts of the complex, including residential cells, utility structures, entrances, and other areas.
Archaeologists have also discovered a variety of artifacts dating to the 17th and 18th centuries, including objects made of metal, wood, and other materials, shedding light on the daily life and routines of the monastery's inhabitants during that period.
"Authors as early as the 19th century, particularly Yervand Lalayan, mentioned the spring of the Great Hermitage of Tatev. However, its exact location remained unknown because a significant portion of the complex was buried beneath a thick layer of soil. Based on the descriptions of architect Murad Hasratyan, excavations carried out in 2026 uncovered the medieval spring beneath the soil. The structure is notable for both its engineering ingenuity and artistic design," the Center said in a statement.
The spring has now been fully excavated and cleared, making it accessible and visible to visitors of the Great Hermitage of Tatev.