Cave monastery of Kasagh gorge - Armenian Geographic

Many tourists from all over the world visit Saghmosavank and Hovhanavank monasteries, but few of them knows about a small cave monastery of Kasagh gorge between those two monasteries.

The sacred places that are hidden in Armenian mountains, are not easy to reach. They have some visitors but there aren’t any trails of pilgrims. And this place seems to be forgotten.

We combined hiking and rock climbing with this historical place in order to arouse people’s interest in this cave church.

Kasagh Canyon

Locals call this cave complex Red churches. We suppose that it is because of the red cliffs. According to some historical sources this cave church dates back to the 12th century and was called a Cave church. This church is located near Saghmosavank monastery.

Like all other monasteries these caves also have their own small church. According to Simeon Yerevantsi that church was called Holy Mother of God.

There is a narrow and deep hole in one of the caves which leads to the second floor. You should go up only with a second person who will belay you. Going up through that narrow hole isn’t so hard but the lending is rather difficult and dangerous.

We don’t advise to climb the second floor without a company of professionals.

The second floor is rather safe shelter. You can safely hide from wild animals and intruders. From here it was possible to retrace every movement in the Kasagh canyon. It can be assumed that these caves were once connected with one another, but time and nature have changed a lot here through the ages.