Sanahin Monastery

If you happen to be traveling through the northern region of Armenia then you must stop in the Lori Province and see the Sanahin Monastery. Situated near the Debet River you take a single serpentine road through the elevation to reach this beautiful historic site. It is also only a few minutes away from neighboring Haghpat Monastery too. Although there is no exact record when it was built Sanahin translates as “it’s older than the other one”. Queen Khosrovanush of Armenia, wife of King Ashot Bagratuni was one of the principal patrons of this monastery became one of the most respected religious, cultural, and educational centers between the 10th and 13th century.

Sanahin is a monastic complex consisting of St. Hakob church, St. Astvatsatsin church, St. Amenaprkich church around the main temple, the Chapel of St. Gregor, scriptorium, academy, library, bell tower, the sepulcher of Kyurikyans, and the spring and the confectory. Originally, the interiors of these churches were filled with frescoes but are no longer visible. Throughout the complex you can still see passages of the Armenian language carved into the stone.

I visited here in early Fall and the road to get here was just a little over an hour from Vanadzor. Along the way you see many people selling fruits and vegetables on the side of the road or in front of their house. The scenery is amazing so make sure you have a wide lens camera to capture the landscape. There is no fee to enter and I first entered Sanahin Complex through the main entrance past the khackhars (cross stones). Immediately, you notice the Armenian passages carved into the stone and get a feel to how old this place really is. Take a step to the right and enter a large room and you’re immediately taken back by the large pillars and huge dome on above. Look to the left and you see an elaborate entrance to the main hall. The first thing you notice is how high the ceiling is and I arrived around noon so the light came beaming through the windows like out of the scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark. The architecture is medieval and absolutely beautiful to stare at.

Afterwards I exited through the back to see the chapel and other structures. Take your time to admire the designs and the attention to detail. The monastery is still going through renovations. You can still see nature trying to take over certain areas of the monastery. Due to its cultural significance Sanahin Monastery was renowned for its school of illuminators and calligraphers it became an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

 Happy traveling.