The three ensembles lie in a total area of 129 hectares (320 acres) and were inscribed under UNESCO criteria (ii), (iii), and (vi) for their outstanding value in showcasing Armenian architectural and decorative traditions, for being a major centre for diffusion of Armenian culture in the region, and for being places of pilgrimage of the Apostle Thaddeus and Saint Stepanos, key figures in Armenian religious traditions.

[1][2] The St. Thaddeus Monastery also known as "Kara Kelisa" or "Black Church" in West Azerbaijan province is about 18 kilometres (11 mi) from Maku.

[3] The Saint Stepanos Monastery is 17 kilometres (11 mi) to the west of Jolfa city, East Azarbaijan Province in northwest Iran.

[1][11] It was the second Armenian church to be built, following the Etchmiadzin Cathedral[12][1] and was the seat of the diocese in the 10th century.

The monasteries were then deserted during the 16th and 17th centuries following a period of attacks by the Ottomans that prompted many Armenians to emigrate to central Iran.

However, during the 18th century the area became a cauldron of conflicts for domination among the Russian, Ottoman, and Persian empires.

[13] Similarly, it is recorded that Saint Stepanos Monastery was first established in 649 A.D. and a new building constructed at the same location in the 10th century.

The exterior artwork consists of cut-stone fascia of different colours, an Armenian architectural art form.

[17] The Saint Stepanos Monastery ensemble is in the gorge of the Araxe River, which borders Azerbaijan.

Within the church there are paintings that are based on similar ones at the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, which is a blend of Christian and Islamic art forms.

[17] Downstream of the monastery is an area of 10.85 hectares (26.8 acres) where the village of Darresham, the cemetery, and an associated church are located.

The village is destroyed except for the church, which is built in the form of a basilica, with four pillars supporting a cupola.

[17] The old Chapel of Dzordzor lies in the Makuchay River valley, occupying an area of 0.79 hectares (2.0 acres).

What is present now is a remnant of the large monastery that once existed there, as the entire chapel has been shifted to a new location 600 metres (2,000 ft) away due to submergence resulting from a dam that was built on the river.