We took an impressive “flight” on the famous Wings of Tatev above the ravine of Vorotan River to the Tatev Monastery. It is the longest cableway (🎫7000 AMD/return) worldwide (5752 m), recorded in the Guinness Book of Records. It takes 12 minutes to reach a monastery built by Syunik’s bishops in the 9th century to house important relics. At the monastery’s peak, some 600 monks lived and worked in the complex, and national icon Surp Grigor Tatevatsi (St Gregory of Tatev; 1346–1409) is buried here. The fortifications, added in the 17th century, have been restored and are full of dining halls, towers, and libraries. Outside the main gate is an oil press exhibit displaying seeds, tools, and ancient machinery used in the process of oil extraction.
Parking location – Tatev: 39.417712N 46.299135E (🚻)