Gandzasar monastery is located in the town of Vank, the Republic of Artsakh It was built in the 10th-13th centuries. The church was named after the hill in front of the monastery, which is famous for its silver and other metals mines.
The first reference to this church was made by Catholicos Anania Mokatsi in the 10th century. According to him, the church Saint Hovhannes Mkrtich of the complex was built in 1216-1238 by the Duke of Artsakh Hasan-Jalal.
Gandzasar Monastery Complex is surrounded by high walls and includes the St. Hovhannes Mkrtich Church, the churchyard, the cells, the refectory (1689) and a two-story school building (1898). There is an old cemetery in the south of the monastery.
