Gharghavank may actually be seen from the main highway in the distance, but is hardly distinguishable from the other ruins of more modern structures scattered nearby.

According to the Armenian historian Vardan Areveltsi of the 13th century, Gharghavank was built between the years 661 and 685 by Prince Grigor Mamikonian.

The church is a centrally-planned aisled tetraconch type with eight semicircular apses radiating from the interior octagonal space.

Relatively recent photographs show only approximately half of the original structure intact, where the collapsed portion of the wall stands rebuilt today.

A sundial style design is subtly embedded in the interior portion above the apse at the apex of the half-dome, and a single window peers out below.