The Arakelots Monastery and Settlement in the Tavush region has been included in the shortlist of 14 most endangered heritage sites in Europe, according to Europa Nostra and the European Investment Bank (EIB) Institute, reports Armenpress.
Since its launch in 2013, the programme has become a leading civil society initiative dedicated to safeguarding Europe’s endangered heritage, advocating for public and private support, including funding.
The 14 endangered sites were selected by an international advisory group comprising experts in archaeology, architecture, heritage conservation, design analysis, and finance. The selection was based on the site’s cultural and historical significance, the urgency of the threat, the level of local community involvement, public and private sector support, and its potential for socio-economic development.
Nestled within the forests of the Tavush region in northern Armenia, the Arakelots Monastery and Settlement is a remarkable example of medieval heritage. Located two kilometers west of Acharkut village along the Kirants River, this religious and secular complex provides invaluable insights into the cultural and economic life of the 13th century. Its remote location and proximity to the Armenian-Azerbaijani border further emphasize its historical and geopolitical significance.
The monastery, fortified with ramparts and watchtowers, features a main church with a unique domed hall adorned with delicate architectural details, alongside an adjoining narthex with a traditional Armenian “hazarashen” roof structure. Among its treasures is a fresco of Saint Sargis, a rare depiction of the Armenian saint, reflecting the monastery’s dedication to Armenian Apostolic traditions. The remains of the settlement include two churches, a caravanserai, an oil mill, and the Sranots Bridge, collectively illustrating its role as a thriving medieval trade hub on the Armenian Silk Road.
Arakelots flourished under the Georgian Zakarian and Mongol rule, benefiting from its exemption from taxation as a monastic estate. This relationship fostered prosperity and left a lasting legacy of Armenian-Georgian cultural influences. Despite its historical prominence, the site has been abandoned since the 17th century and remains largely unexplored.
Today, the Arakelots Monastery and Settlement face significant threats. Encroaching vegetation, structural decay, and climate-related hazards, including excessive rainfall and mudslides, endanger its preservation. The site’s location in a seismically active zone has also caused visible earthquake damage to key structures. Human-made impacts, such as graffiti, unauthorized construction of picnic areas, and a lack of formal conservation efforts, further exacerbate the situation. Additionally, the presence of large bat colonies in the monastery presents challenges in balancing heritage preservation with wildlife protection.
The nomination of the Arakelots Monastery and Settlement to the 7 Most Endangered Programme was led by Dr. Jasmine Dum-Tragut from the Armenian Studies Division at the Centre for the Studies of the Christian East at the University of Salzburg in Austria. The nomination is supported by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport of the Republic of Armenia, the Municipality of Acharkut, Blue Shield Armenia, and the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia. Additional expertise comes from the University for Continuing Education in Krems, Austria, ensuring a collaborative effort toward conservation, research, and sustainable development.
Proposed actions include holistic research, cleaning, and conservation of the monastery and settlement, along with the development of sustainable ecotourism. Local stakeholders, including academic institutions and civil society organizations, are essential to these efforts. Educational initiatives and trail improvements aim to reconnect the local population with this medieval treasure, fostering pride and appreciation for the region’s cultural identity.
The Advisory Panel of the 7 Most Endangered Programme stated: “Arakelots is an outstanding medieval ensemble that reflects the cultural hybridity and peaceful coexistence of its era. Its precarious state due to geopolitical tensions and environmental challenges calls for immediate action. The restoration and promotion of the Arakelots Monastery and Settlement can act as a catalyst for reconciliation, regional stability, and sustainable development, offering a pathway for transforming heritage into a resource for peace and progress.”
The inclusion of Arakelots Monastery and Settlement in this prestigious programme highlights the urgent need for preservation efforts to protect this vital part of Armenia’s historical and cultural heritage.
