Sevanavank monastery was founded on the island of Lake Sevan, which is now a peninsula. It is situated to the east of Sevan city. As a result of the excavations, it became known that this place was inhabited in the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. It was built in the year 305 by efforts of Gregory the Illuminator, before in the same area was a pagan temple.

IX century. Sevan is their strong point to the princes of Syunik. 874 the daughter of King Ashot Bagratuni, Gabur Vasak of Syunik prince's wife, Mary, built two churches which merge with the environment and create delightful sight for the viewers.

The two churches of the complex, Surp Arakelots and Surp Astvatsatsin are both cruciform plan structures with octagonal tambours. Adjacent are the ruins of a gavit whose roof was originally supported by six wooden columns. Some of the remains of the gavit and its columns can be seen in the Yerevan Museum of History. The remains of the church of the domed hall types are hardly preserved. There are also many cross complexes (Xachqar).