The name Sevan is of Urartian origin, and is derived from Siuna, meaning country of lakes. Presently, the lake covers 1256 square kilometers and reaches a maximum depth of 82 meters. Twenty-eight rivers and springs flow into Sevan but only River Hrazdan begins its flow from it. Perched high in the elevated Armenian terrain, the lake fills a gigantic depression situated at height of 1897 meters above sea level. As a result, the winter cold is quite harsh, while the summer sun is deceptively strong. In ancient times the Sevan was called the Geghama Sea. Over a mile high, the water of Sevan reflects the palette of vivid colors from lazur to deep blue, hypnotizing with its magnetic and majestic aura.
The peninsula, together with its monastery, is a secret of nature which has yet to be explained. Gradually cycling through the centuries, the water level rises to transform the peninsula into an island, then recedes back to offer a peninsula once again. Unfortunately, during the soviet era, hydroelectric industrialization and irrigation reduced the water table significantly, but efforts are underway to stabilize the situation.
It is impossible to imagine the island of Sevan (currently a peninsula) without the Sevan Monastery, a perfect example of a man-made testimony of faith complementing the surrounding divine nature. According to the historical records, the Monastery was built in 874.