In 844 Bishop Davit persuaded the princes of Syunik to grant lands which could support a large monastery. The main church was built between 895 and 906. It was badly damaged by the earthquake of 1931, but has now been fully restored. The bell tower's restoration is not over though, which is why a large crane stood at the site when we visited. Thus even though the road past the monastery offers great views of the whole building (especially the mighty supporting walls), the website doesn't have any picture taken from there: the ugly crane ruined the whole panorama!
Tatev was a striving learning center and 1000 people lived there. It reached this peak in the 14th and 15th centuries.
There are numerous buildings on the site. The gavazan, an octagonal pillar with a small khachkar on top, was used to detect tremors. St Gregory's church, dating from 1295, is set adjoining the main church and St Paul and Peter church, with its 17th century bell tower, has an adjoining Mother of God chapel from the 11th century. The whole place gives this impression that layers and layers of history have interacted chaotically to reach the present state. It's not exactly harmonious but it's thrilling to explore!