One of the most conspicuous characteristics of Armenian monastic architecture of the thirteenth century is the gavit or zhamatunwhich is found on the west facade of the churches and serves as narthex, mausoleum and assembly room. Some appear as a simple vaulted room or a gallery open to the south (Dadivank Monastery, St. Hakob of Mets Arrank or Mets Irants); others have an asymmetrical vaulted room on pillars (Gtichavank Monastery), and still others feature a quadrangular room with four central pillars supporting a pyramid dome (Dadivank Monastery).

In a fourth type of gavit, the vault is supported by a pair of crossed arches (Horrekavank Monastery, Bri Yeghtsi monastic complex,see gallery  >>). The gavit at Gandzasar (1261) is distinctive in the latter group by virtue of its superior quality of workmanship. Its layout corresponds exactly to that of Haghpat and Mshkavank monasteries (northern part of the Republic of Armenia). At the center of the ceiling, the cupola is illuminated by a central window that is adorned with the same stalactite ornaments as Geghard and Harich (monasteries in the Republic of Armenia dating from the early thirteenth century).