Haghpat
Armenia · Lori · 1000 m
Description
Haghpat (Հաղպատ) and Sanahin (Սանահին) are two tenth century monasteries a few kilometres apart on the plateau above the Debed canyon in northern Armenia, jointly on the UNESCO list as the high point of Armenian medieval architecture. Both were built by the same royal house within thirty years of each other and both grew scriptoriums, libraries and bell towers over the following centuries, so what stands is a dense cluster of grey basalt halls, vaulted galleries and carved khachkar stones under walnut trees. The Debed canyon below carries a string of smaller churches and Soviet mining towns.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 2 days (optimal 1 day)
Travel season
Best time to visit: May – October
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Haghpat Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage)
- Sanahin Monastery and its scriptorium (UNESCO World Heritage)
- Debed canyon and its cliff road
- Khachkar carved cross stones of both monasteries
- Sanahin cable car from Alaverdi
- Akhtala fortified monastery and its frescoes(Day trip)
- Kobayr monastery ruins on the gorge wall(Day trip)
- Odzun basilica and its funerary monument(Day trip)
- Mikoyan brothers museum in Sanahin