Ganchvor Monastery

Ganchvor Sourp Asdvadzadzin is the Armenian Apostolic church located within the walled city of Famagusta.

On the north-west side of the walls, it is a fortress-like building built in 1346 by Armenian refugees from Cilicia.

The Armenians escaped the Mameluke attacks against Ayas of Cilicia and arrived to Cyprus from the southern coast of Turkey, before the French Lusignans arrived. Like other non-Latin or non-Orthodox Christians, they settled in the Syrian quarter of the city, especially populated with Carmelites.

The Armenian church was built in the 14th century by the refugees in a typical Armenian style with Cypriot masonry.

It is believed the Ganchvor was a part of an important monastic, cultural and theological establishment, at which Archbishop of Tarsus in the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, Saint Nerses of Lambron is said to have studied, and whose foundations survived until the mid-20th century.

A scriptorium devoted to the writing, copying and illuminating of manuscripts also used to operate in this monastery, manuscripts of which survive at the Armenian Saint James’ Monastery in Jerusalem.

After the Ottoman siege, this church became unused from 1571. Records show up until at least 1862, it featured a small bell-tower.

It was preserved in the early 1900’s and upon completion of repairs, the first Liturgy and its re-consecration were held on 14 January 1945 by Archimandrite Krikor Bahlavouni.

It is small with only one aisle and a cylindrical apse. The roof is in the shape of a cruciform, and the apse is covered with a semi-dome. There is some evidence that a second chapel was added to the north east, but this has not survived.

Outside the church, close examination will reveal crosses inscribed by pilgrims as a declaration of faith are seen on the wall. Beyond the southern door, you can also see traces of a medieval sun dial.

It adjoins the Carmelite church, which was established at a similar period, as part of a monastic complex dedicated to the Virgin Mary.