The swinging column Gavazan

The monument "Gavazan" was erected in 904 in the southern part of the small yard, near the living quarters of the monks. It is a unique work of Armenian architectural and engineering art. As a result of seismic tremors, and even at a mere touch of human hand, the pillar tilts and then turns to the initial position.

This fact has prevented it from being destroyed by earthquakes.

The column is a octahedral pillar, built of small stones, eight meters tall. It has a base formed by two polygonal stones, and is crowned with an ornamented cornice and a khatchkar on the top.

There have been many discussions and different opinions about the nature and meaning of these columns in Armenian Christian architecture. The most popular opinion is that these columns are probably tomb-memorial monuments, erected in remembrance of some important personality.