Haghpat Monastery

If you happen to be traveling through the northern region of Armenia then you must stop in the Lori Province and see the Haghpat Monastery. Located a little over an hour north of Vanadzor lays a visual marvel of Armenian medieval architecture. Just a few minutes from the Sanahin Monastery, Hagphat is situated at a high elevation at the rim of the gorge overlooking Debet River. The scenery surrounding this area is beautiful and don’t forget to bring your wide lens for the amazing landscapes.

Just like Sanahin Monastery, Queen Khosrovanush was a major patron of the main church, St. Nshan or Holy Sign and construction was completed in 991 A.D. Haghpat was a major literary center that maintained rich feudal lands until the monastery properties were confiscated by the Russian Empire in the 19th century. It consists of 3 churches, a library, gallery, refectory, a bell tower, mausolea, and various khachkars (cross stones). Haghpat also had an academy, a scriptorium for the copy and illustrating of manuscripts, and a library with an extensive collection of religious, philosophical, historical, and scientific texts.

Another example of stunning medieval architecture, Haghpat is known for its 4 pillars design and a large dome for their churches. The first thing I noticed as my driver pulled up to the complex was the large 3 story bell tower. As I walked towards the rear of the complex where it was situated did I realize how much larger this complex was compared to the Sanahin Complex. Weather was kind to me that day so I was able to get a clear view of the surrounding area. After taking a few photos I walked down to the entrance of khachkars towards the Scriptorium. The first thing you noticed was that there were holes in the ground like Swiss cheese. The monastery complex were attacked by Persian and Mongol forces and the holes were designed to store the books and manuscripts in case of danger. There were about 2-dozen of these holes and about 3-4 feet deep (1.25 meters).

There are numerous other structures to wander around and admire. The attention to detail is exquisite. Pay attention to the entrance doors for the intricate designs used. Although Haghpat Monastery has gone through periods of reconstruction due to war and earthquake, it still stands proudly overlooking the valley.

Described as a “masterpiece of religious architecture and a major learning center in the Middle Ages”, Haghpat Monastery, along with Sanahin Monastery, became an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. They were chosen because:

 “The two monastic complexes represent the highest flowering of Armenian religious architecture, whose unique style developed from a blending of elements of Byzantine ecclesiastical architecture and the traditional vernacular architecture of the Caucasian region.”

Make time to see this amazing place because it’s a pleasant walk through history.

Happy traveling.