The Big desert of Tatev is a late mediaeval Armenian architectural complex, a religious and educational center. It is to the south-east of the village Tatev in Vorotan valley. After the ruination of Haranats desert situated on the southern part of the valley in 1660 the Tatev fraternity built the Big desert.

   The place was somehow inclined which gave an opportunity to build the complex on the regular base. It is surrounded with high square walls. In 1663 in the south-eastern part of the desert Sb. Astvatsatsin church was built. And in 1743 Melik-Egan of Dizak built a vestibule next to the church. To the north of it there is a small cupola chapel-tomb, where the founder of the desert Aristakes preceptor is buried. There is a spring to the east of the church and dwellings to the north near the walls. There is another group of dwellings in the yard. To the south there is a trapezium-shaped subsidiary part.