Built at the edge of a sheer rock face and virtually inaccessible on three sides, the northern part of the complex is fortified by ramparts harmoniously integrating it in the landscape. One of the unique features of the monastery is the St. Astvatsadzin 1087 which is built on the rampart and accessed by a steep flight of steps from within the complex. The monumental Sourp Poghos Petros, 895/906 is the focal point of the complex and, as the main cathedral of Syunik principality, great care was given to its spatial conceptualization as well as to its interior and exterior decoration. Commissioned in 930, polychrome frescoes depicting Christ in Majesty in the apse and scenes from the Nativity and Doomsday on each side of the nave have unfortunately suffered from the assault of time and are scarcely visible today. The celebrated "Gavazan", a column dedicated to the Holy Trinity in 906 was engineered to swing at the touch of a hand has withstood several earthquakes unscathed and remains unexplained to this day. Other religious buildings include the St. Grigor Lusavoritch thrice rebuilt, between 836 and 1295 and attributed to the famous architect Momik by some scholars; and the Chapel of Grigor Tatevatsi the 14th century rector of Tatev University.