Harichavank Monastery

By Thong Do
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23 Oct, 2016
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If you are on your way to visiting Gyumri, the second largest city in Armenia, then on your way you must stop by to visit Harichavank Monastery. Located in the Shirak Province it’s located just a few miles south of the city of Artik. Constructed in the 7th century this is one of the most famous monastic centers in Armenia and renowned for its school and scriptorium. According to locals, this area was flourishing since the 2nd century B.C. and was a well known fortress town. At the end of the 12th century Princes Ivane and Zakhare bought Harichavank from Princes Pakhlavuni and built a new church and fortress walls. The privileges granted by the two princes to the monastery contributed towards it becoming a large cultural and enlightenment center of medieval Armenia.

As you enter the complex, you walk past the living quarters, school, and the refectory and come to the open area where you can get a great view of the front of the church. Be careful as you walk near the ancient fortress walls because there are small underground cells with the ceiling not fully in tact so may fall down. These areas were designed to be dark and quiet and priests would come to these rooms for isolation and meditation.

*Various cells near the fortress walls.*

Take a few minutes to admire the view among the walls overlooking the valley. The surrounding scenery is beautiful with a tiny river nearby. A small trail will take you down below to the garden area and you will also notice a small chapel on top of a rock tower. The area below is great for a hike and picnic while you enjoy the landscape.

*The view of the chapel and fortress wall from down below.*

The main church, St. Astvatsatsin or Holy Mother of God was under renovation when I visited but it was still nice to look at. Pay attention to the walls and you can see the Armenian language carved into the stone wall at numerous points. I visited in late summer so the weather was good and everything looked great. As you enter it you’ll come across some impressive designs above the entrance door. Step inside and the first thing you notice are the high ceilings and the intricate designs you see carved. Towards the far right corner is a not so obvious staircase that will take you to dark room where the priests meditated in complete darkness. It’s steep and dark so proceed with caution if you choose to go up.

Enter the main room and the first thing you notice are the two stone staircases that take you up to get a great view of the entire room. If you got a wide lens, use it hear to get the entire room in its grandeur. Proceed with caution if you choose to go up since there are no rails to hold on to and the steps are quite steep. Purchase a candle where you entered and light it and say a prayer. A quiet and humble monastery Harichavank is a great place to stop and visit while you are making your way to northern Armenia.

Happy traveling.