ARMENIAN MONASTERY OF SURB-KHACH (ХАЧ АРМЯНСКИЙ ХАЧ-СУРБ)

Not far from the city, on a wooded hill, the Armenian monastery of Surb-Khach, «Sainte-Croix», is a magnificent example of medieval architecture in Crimea dating from the th century. Built by Armenian refugees in Crimea to save themselves from Turks, the monastery has the appearance of a fortress and consists of several buildings erected at different times, including the church of Surb-Ishan dating back 1358, the cells for monks (1694), the dining, fountains and stairs in the garden (XVIII-XIX s.). In the Soviet era, the monastery was closed. From 1925 until the Second World War, it was used as a summer camp for the pioneers. Then, he remained in the state of abandonment until the early 1990 s. Since 2009, the monastery has been in operation again. In the garden is a source of pure water. From the garden there is a trail through the forest that leads to the ruins of the monastery of Surb-Stefanos, higher in the mountain.

If you are not by car, the best way to arrive so far is to take a taxi from Staryj Krym.