Medieval spring discovered at Armenian monastery in Syunik
Long-lost medieval spring uncovered at 17th-century Armenian monastery
Archaeologists have uncovered a long-lost medieval spring at the Great Hermitage of Tatev in Armenia's Syunik Province. The spring, mentioned in 19th-century accounts by ethnographer Yervand Lalayan, had remained unlocated for over a century due to thick soil coverage. An expedition led by Armen Nalbandyan from the History and Cultural Heritage Research Center conducted the excavation in 2026, using descriptions from architect Murad Hasratyan to guide the search. Researchers noted the structure's distinctive medieval engineering and artistic design. The fully excavated spring is now accessible to visitors at the 17th-century monastery, which sits in the Vorotan river valley. The discovery was announced by the History and Cultural Heritage Research Center, which operates under Armenia's Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports.
