Makaravank is a monastic complex dating back to the 10-13th centuries. The complex is situated 6 km away from the village of Achajur, in the forested region of Tavush. The complex consists of churches, a vestry (or a gavit) and other constructions of secondary importance, such as a bread bakery of the 13th century and a spring well of the 12th centuries.  

The earliest among them is Makaravank church with a cross-wing dome. The rich carved ornamentations of flowers and interlaced lines set the church apart from other structures of this type. These ornaments can be seen on the wall of the altar, as well as on the interior framings of the main window. Makaravank, as well as St. Astvatsatsin are built of big pieces of roughly cut dark-pink and red tuff, the main natural construction material of Armenian Highland that has been utilized by the local masons from ancient times to present day.

The domed church of St. Astvatsatsin is the main one in the complex. On the southern façade you can see a solar clock, a dove figure resting on a console stand.