St. Hovhannes Chapel is located in the Spitak region of the Lori region. To reach the chapel, the pilgrims walk about 3 km.
In the middle of the 13th century, on the initiative of Armenian and Yezidi generals, the body of St. Hovhannes was moved to Armenia, after which the chapel was built.
The village was formerly included under the name of Ghaltakhchi.
The occupation of the villagers found its expression in the Turkish name of the village – “Ghaltakhchi”, which means saddler.
Many early Bronze Age materials were found in Hartagyugh.
In addition to early Bronze Age materials, there are finds of early iron and Urartian-ancient period in Hartagyugh. In the territory of Hartagyugh, there is a huge stone structure of Aries, 5 kilometers south of the village is the ancient settlement “Bager”, the medieval settlement “Kharabek” and “Cic Stone” megalithic system, from where a beautiful view opens to Mount Aragats.
Khachkars have been installed in the area of St. Hovhannes Chapel at an altitude of 2157 meters since 2005. They have a special meaning. Gagik Tsarukyan installed the first khachkar. More than 80% of these khachkars were installed by families who did not have children.
After coming to the chapel, people had children, then they placed khachkars as a thanksgiving. Currently, 225 khachkars are installed in the area of the chapel.
