The medieval Armenian monastery complex of Dadivanq (Khutavanq - "monastery on
the hill") is located in the namesake village of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic’s (Artsakh)
Shahumyan district, 100 km from Artsakh capital - Stepanakert. It was built in the 9-13
centuries.
The location of the historical monument is striking with its magnificence, indescribable
beauty of the landscape, so the streams of tourists who want to admire it, annually
increase in geometric progression. According to a legend, the first basilica, which has
been preserved until now, was built in the first century on the grave of Apostle
Thaddeus' disciple Dadi.
It is also known that in the 12th century Mkhitar Gosh lived in Dadivanq monastery and
it was here that he created his famous "Datastanagirq" (“Code of laws”), which
subsequently became medieval Armenia’s first code of laws.
During the construction of the monastery complex, a variety of building materials were
used and various architectural styles were applied. The walls of the building were once
decorated with frescoes, from which only fragments have survived. On the east side of
the wall there are khachkars, which bear a special meaning. To the south of there is
another ancient church is situated.
In the 5th century the monastery was the most important educational and cultural center
that also served as a residence for the bishop of Aghvanq. During the invasions of
Arabs and Seljuks, the monastery was periodically destroyed and then it was restored
again. More than 30 different buildings are preserved here. The last time the monastery
was restored during 2004-2005.

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