Excursion to Haghpat and Sanahin - Armenian Geographic

The full-day tour to Haghpat and Sanahin will leave a lasting impression on you. Two of the three sites that we are going to visit, the monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin, are on UNESCO List of World Heritage.

Akhtala Monastery

The first stop of the tour will be at Akhtala Monastery, one of the most remarkable monuments of Armenian architecture dating from the 10^th century. You will be fascinated by the uniqueness and beauty of this monastery the architectural features of which combine the traits of different styles and periods. Its interior is decorated with beautiful frescoes. The fortress-monastery of Akhtala is comfortably situated on a small plateau above the stream Shamlugh. It was built in the 10^th century as one of the fortresses of Kyurikian or Tashir-Dzoraget Kingdom.

Akhtala Monastery

Inside the fortress is located the monastery of Akhtala, which consists of three churches, a bell tower and some stone dwellings. The main church which is dedicated to the Holy Mother of God boasts well-preserved frescoes: the colouring of these mural paintings is characteristic of Byzantine art, while the thematic solutions are more Armenian.

Haghpat Monastery

The next stop will be at Haghpat Monastery, which traces back to the 10^th century. At the end of the 18^th century, the famous Armenian minstrel Sayat Nova lived here. The third stop will be at Sanahin Monastery, which was similarly constructed in the 10^th century. Haghpat Monastery was founded by Queen Khosrovanush, Armenian king Ashot III’s wife, in 976. The earliest structure is the church of Sourb Nshan (Holy Sign), the construction of which began in 966 to 967.

Haghpat Monastery

Later the prominent architect Trdat enlarged it, and a large monastic complex was gradually built here.

Sanahin Monastery

The monastic complex of Sanahin consists of Sourb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God), Sourb Amenaprkich (Holy Saviour) and St. Gregory Churches as well as some chapels and other buildings.