The 12-14th centuries were a unique flourishing period for Armenian culture, in which different geopolitical changes were taking place in the region. Armenian kingdom was situated in Cilicia while the Eastern Armenian lands were under the Georgian kingdom and were ruled by Zakaryan (Mkhargrdzeli) brothers. According to historical sources the rulers had close relations to Byzantine Empire as well as with Seljuk and Mongol rulers, and these interrelations had their impact on cultural life as well.
 
Many outstanding churches and monasteries were built in this period. One of such complexes is Neghuts monastery situated in the province of Nig in Ayrarat region (present Kotayk, Arzakan village). Its buildings have original architectural solutions and abundant decoration. This is an excellent example of cultural manifestation in such historical and political state in the 12th -14th centuries.
 
The monastery complex consists of the central domed church (12th century), gavit (second half of 13th century), a small chapel, many khachkars from different periods, and several ruined buildings, which function is still unknown. For this study in a special interest is the gavit with its polychrome stones, figural sculptures and muqarnas decoration that remains entirely unstudied.
 
The goal of this study is to trace connections between well-known Armenian monuments of the same period and the Neghuts monastery and show how these unique architectural decorations and traditions met in this very monument. This is an attempt to raise some questions about this prominent monastery which has slipped out of the view of researchers.