Sanahin Monastery
Սանահին
A World Heritage monastery founded in 966, known as a medieval center of learning and for its dim gavit lined with grave stones.
Sanahin Monastery was founded in 966, a little earlier than Haghpat across the canyon. In the Middle Ages it was famous for its calligraphy and its school of learning. The name "Sanahin" means "this one is older than that one" in Armenian. The complex includes the Church of the Holy Mother of God, the Church of the Savior, the gavit, a library (1063), and a bell tower. The gavit floor is covered with grave stones bearing inscriptions. Its light is dim, and the atmosphere is solemn. The site was added to the World Heritage List in 2000 as an extension of Haghpat. The monastery is in the village of Sanahin, above Alaverdi, and it is about a 30-minute uphill climb on foot or by car from Alaverdi. The village also has the Mikoyan Brothers Museum. Entry is free.
Opening hours
About 09:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Mikoyan Brothers Museum
- Sanahin Bridge
- Kayanberd
- Haghpat Monastery
- Odzun Church
- Horomayr Monastery
- Kobayr Monastery
- Ardvi