Sevan

 

Sevan is a town and a popular resort in Armenia, located in the Gegharkunik Province, lying on the northwestern shores of the Lake Sevan. It was built at a height of more than 1,900 metres (6,234 feet) above sea level, 64 km (40 mi) northeast of the capital Yerevan, and 35 km (22 mi) north of Gavar. Sevan is the administrative centre of Gegharkunik province. Sevan was founded as Yelenovka in 1842 to become a Russian-populated village. It was known as Yelenovka until 1935 when it was renamed Sevan, after the Lake Sevan.

 

Sevan is surrounded with the Sevan National Park which is extended from the northeastern parts of the town to the southwest, while the Lake Sevan forms the natural borders of the city from the east.

 

The settlement was founded as Yelenovka in 1842 by exiled members of Russian religious factions. Since its foundation until 1935, it was known as Yelenovka, named after Yelena Pavlovna the daughter of Tsar Paul I of Russia.

 

The settlement of Yelenovka remained a Russian-populated village until the end of the 19th century.

The cyclopean fortress of Metsep stands just north of Sevan.

 

The Sevan peninsula, which is located 3 kilometres (2 miles) east of the city is home to one of the most notable samples of medieval Armenian architecture, the Sevanavank Monastery of the 9th century. The monastery was mainly intended for monks from Echmiadzin who had sinned. Currently, the monastery consists of two churches: Surp Arakelots (Holy Apostles) and Surp Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God). The monastery is famous for its variety of the medieval Armenian Khachkars (cross-stones). Initially the monastery was built at the southern shore of a small island. After the artificial draining of Lake Sevan during the period of Joseph Stalin's rule, the water level fell about 20 meters, and the island was transformed into a peninsula.