Many legends envelop Tatev. The name ‘Tatev’ is explained differently. According to tradition, the monastery is named after the holy Thaddeus the apostle, who preached in this region. The name Taddeus has evolved in Tatev.

The popular etymology includes a legend that tells about an event that is prohibited with the construction of the main church. A student secretly climbs to the top of the tower with the intention of placing a cross of his own design. However, the pupil is noticed by his master during his descent. Shocked by his discovery, the student loses his support and falls into the abyss. At that moment he calls God to give him wings, which in ancient Armenian is: ‘Ta Tev’.

Prior to Christianity, Tatev monastery was home to a pagan temple; after the 4th century it was replaced by the current main church.

During the attacks of Mongolian warlord Timoer Lenk in the fourteenth century, the monastery was plundered, burnt and stripped of a considerable part of its territory. Several raids and looting followed. The monastery was again heavily damaged after an earthquake in 1931, during which the dome and bell tower of St. Paul and Peter’s Church were destroyed.

Prior to Christianity, Tatev monastery was home to a pagan temple; after the 4th century it was replaced by the current main church.

During the attacks of Mongolian warlord Timoer Lenk in the fourteenth century, the monastery was plundered, burnt and stripped of a considerable part of its territory. Several raids and looting followed. The monastery was again heavily damaged after an earthquake in 1931, during which the dome and bell tower of St. Paul and Peter’s Church were destroyed.

During the 14th and 15th centuries Tatev monastery played an important role in the development of cultural life in Armenia. The most important medieval university of Armenia was located in the monastery. The monastery also served as a repository for thousands of valuable manuscripts, monastic and official documents and contracts.

The University of Tatev had three departments, the first contributing to the advancement of science, humanities, religion, philosophy, grammar, literature and history. Works by, among others, Plato, Aristotle, the Old and New Testaments were also studied. In the second department attention was paid to calligraphy, artistic design of books and the development of miniatures and wall paintings. The third section included early music and musicology.

Scholars of the university contributed to the preservation of Armenian culture and creed during a turbulent period in the history of Armenia.

Cable car ‘Wings of Tatev’

In 2008, the Tatev Revival Foundation was established with as its main goal the restoration of the Tatev monastery. In 2010, the world’s longest cable car (5750 m long) was launched called ‘Wings of Tatev’. With the cable car you reach the monastery not only faster, but also in an impressive way. The revenues from the cable car are invested in the restoration of the Tatev monastery complex.

Cable car ‘Wings of Tatev’

In 2008, the Tatev Revival Foundation was established with as its main goal the restoration of the Tatev monastery. In 2010, the world’s longest cable car (5750 m long) was launched called ‘Wings of Tatev’. With the cable car you reach the monastery not only faster, but also in an impressive way. The revenues from the cable car are invested in the restoration of the Tatev monastery complex.

The longest cable car in the world, “Wings of Tatev” is included in the Guinness Book of Records.