Haghpat Monastery
Հաղպատավանք
A monastic complex founded in 976 and a World Heritage Site, sitting on a plateau at the edge of a canyon. It is a masterpiece of medieval Armenian religious architecture.
Haghpat Monastery was commissioned in 976 by Queen Khosrovanuysh of the Bagratuni dynasty. Between the 10th and 13th centuries it was expanded into a complex that includes the Church of the Holy Cross, the gavit (narthex), a library, a refectory, and a bell tower. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, and in 2000 it was combined with Sanahin into a single heritage property. The exterior wall of the main church bears reliefs of the king who built it. The Amenaprkich khachkar (Savior's Cross Stone, 1273) in the complex is extremely finely carved. The monastery sits on a plateau at the edge of the canyon and offers views of the mountains across the way. Entry is free, though donations are welcome. It is about 20 minutes' drive from Alaverdi, and it is often visited on the same day as Sanahin.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–18:00 (religious site; before sunset)
Nearby sights
- Kayanberd
- Mikoyan Brothers Museum
- Sanahin Monastery
- Sanahin Bridge
- Akhtala Monastery
- Horomayr Monastery
- Odzun Church
- Kobayr Monastery