Gandzasar Monastery is a prominent Armenian Apostolic monastery complex situated in the Kalbajar District of Azerbaijan. The monastery is located in the historical village of Vank, within the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Its foundation dates back to the 10th century, with the main Cathedral of St. John the Baptist constructed between 1216 and 1238 under the patronage of Prince Hasan-Jalal Dawla. The monastery served as the seat of the Catholicosate of Aghvank, a historical diocese of the Armenian Church, from the 15th century until the early 19th century. Gandzasar is renowned for its significant role in Armenian religious and cultural life, as well as for being a major center of learning and manuscript production. The complex has historically been a site of pilgrimage. The monastery's architecture and intricate khachkars are considered outstanding examples of medieval Armenian art. Throughout its history, Gandzasar has witnessed numerous historical events and has undergone several periods of restoration to preserve its structural and cultural integrity.