Kasagh Canyon

Kasagh Canyon is located in the western part of modern Armenia, from Aragats through Armavir and Ararat provinces. There are many sights along the gorge, most notable of which are two churches: Saghmosavank and Hovhannavank, about five kilometers apart from each other. Both began construction at the same time, by Prince Vache Vachutyan, who erected the Church of Zion in Saghmosavank, and the Church of Karapet in Hovhannavank. From either church, Mount Aragats can be seen. According to legend and physical evidence, it seems that the gorge was used as a place of refuge, possibly by people from the nearby villages and monasteries.

Saghmosavank

Saghmosavank is located right at the top of Kasagh gorge, near the village of Saghmosavan. Its a monastery which is dated back to 13th century. The monastery’s first components were built by Prince Vache Vachutyan. In the Middle Ages it was known for holding valuable manuscripts, which were created and copied in the monastery, often about the history of the Armenian nation. A very tall book repository makes up one part of the complex.

Legend of Saghmosavank

Legend tells that Saghmosavank was a savior of Armenia at one point in time. When Mongol conqueror Tamerlane was in power, he invaded Armenia, not only killing people and burning homes, but also stealing valuable manuscripts from temples and churches, in which was written about the history of the Armenian nation. While still in Armenia, after his besiege, Tamerlane became seriously ill. Nobody could determine what was wrong with him, so he offered to grant the wish of whoever could cure him.

An Armenian priest from Sagmosavank, the nearest monastery, came forward saying he had the cure. He would help Tamerlane only on some conditions: he had to release as many prisoners as would fit in the monastery. Tamerlane was so desperate to be healed that he agreed. The priest healed his illness, and Tamerlane carried out his requests, releasing prisoners into the church.

Then, Tamerlane witnessed something extraordinary. The newly released prisoners walked into Saghmosavank one by one. There were around 70,000 captives. They slowly piled into the church, seemingly exceeding its spatial capacity. Eventually, to Tamerlane’s shock, every single prisoner entered the small church, sparing them all from further captivity. It is said that the priest turned them all into doves when they entered, and they flew out the window. The Mongol leader was in awe of and frightened by this miracle, and fled Armenia out of fear, letting the nation return to a state of peace.

Hovhannavank

Hovhannavank is a monastery in the village of Ohanavan located right on the edge of the cliff, with a wide view of the gorge. This monastery is known for its history of producing manuscripts, and has many inscriptions and carvings.  In some places along the path of Kasagh Gorge you can see Ararat clearly, like near Saghmosavank.

There is a bridge near Oshakan, which crosses the gorge. Right across the gorge from Yerevan, outside Ashtarak, is the village Mughni, with Ohanavan village being 4 kilometers north. The Kasagh river flowed from around Mount Aragats, through Armavir, and into the Metsamor River.

Hiking and Trekking in Armenia