New Residence

The New Residence is both the home and office for the Katoghikos for All Armenians. Open by invitation only.

The Treasury Museum is housed behind the New Residence, and is open only by invitation or prior arrangement, which must be made well in advance (sometimes a week or more). To try your luck, call the Monastery Office (* 5-34-34), where English speaking staff are available to answer your request.

In case you do get in, a few pieces to look for:

New Residence, 2nd Floor

The first floor vestibule and grand stairway are rather impressive, using Armenian stonework to a sumptuous degree. At the top of the stairway are two Khachkars of note:

• Noravank Khachkar by Momik, 1308. One of the most beautiful Khachkars sculpted, the design features 14 geometric patterns on the sides of the cross, a sun burst of patterns below the cross, with three figures in bas relief in the top pattern. The intricate design and incisions into the stone to create the lace pattern is mind boggling.
  
  
• Artsakh Khachkar, 14th century Brought from Nagorno Karabakh, the Khachkar almost rivals the Momik Khachkar with its deeply cut intricate geometric pattern. Two angels are shown immediately below the cross, three above. Beautiful oriental details that are uniquely Armenian.

New Residence, Throne Room

The Throne room of the new residence has white marble floors with polished cream coverstones on the walls. At the top of the wall are representations of pilgrimage churches in Armenia, including Ani, Zvartnots, and of course, the cathedral. The throne is located at one end of the room.

• Vardanank Tapestry, 1983, G. Khandjian. Opposite the throne room is a large hall. On the end wall is a huge tapestry. Hand woven, it depicts the triumph of Armenians over adversity, and includes a who’s who of Armenian history. The entire design and complexity is extraordinary, as is the mammoth size.
  
  
• Holy Banner of Gregory the Illuminator (1448) depicts on one side the saint, who is blessing with his right hand while holding the Bible in his left. Beside him are T'rdat III and St. Hripsimeh. The other side of the banner illustrates Christ enthroned, holding the Gospel in his left hand while his right is held in benediction. Over him are pictures of the sun and the moon.