Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin
Haghpat 2010
Date of Inscription: 1996
Selection criteria: (ii)to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iii) to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared
Overview: The Monastery of Haghpat is located on a hill overlooking the Debed River. It was built in the 10th century and has been an important cultural and religious center for centuries. The monastery complex consists of several buildings, including a cathedral, a library, a bell tower, and various other buildings. The main highlight of the complex is the Cathedral of Surb Nshan, which is known for its unique architecture and beautiful frescoes.
The Monastery of Sanahin is located on the other side of the Debed River, about 5 km from Haghpat. It was also built in the 10th century and is known for its intricate stonework and beautiful architecture. The main building in the complex is the Cathedral of Sanahin, which is one of the best examples of Armenian medieval architecture. The monastery also has a library, a bell tower, and several other buildings.
Prominent Features:
Fun Fact: The Monastery of Sanahin is home to one of the oldest working observatories in the world. The observatory, which is located in the bell tower, was built in the 11th century and was used to observe the movements of the stars and planets. The observatory is still functioning today and is considered a remarkable feat of medieval science and technology.
Entry Fees:
How to Reach It:
By minibus or marshrutka from Yerevan the capital:
Where to Stay: There are several guesthouses and hotels in the nearby towns of Alaverdi and Vanadzor, as well as in the surrounding villages. Some of the best options include the Tufenkian Avan Dzoraget Hotel, the B&B 3 Gs, and the Mirhav Hotel.
Selection criteria: (ii)to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iii) to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared
Overview: The Monastery of Haghpat is located on a hill overlooking the Debed River. It was built in the 10th century and has been an important cultural and religious center for centuries. The monastery complex consists of several buildings, including a cathedral, a library, a bell tower, and various other buildings. The main highlight of the complex is the Cathedral of Surb Nshan, which is known for its unique architecture and beautiful frescoes.
The Monastery of Sanahin is located on the other side of the Debed River, about 5 km from Haghpat. It was also built in the 10th century and is known for its intricate stonework and beautiful architecture. The main building in the complex is the Cathedral of Sanahin, which is one of the best examples of Armenian medieval architecture. The monastery also has a library, a bell tower, and several other buildings.
Prominent Features:
- Monastery of Haghpat is known for its unique architecture, which combines Armenian and Byzantine styles. Its main highlight is the Cathedral of Surb Nshan, which is adorned with intricate carvings and beautiful frescoes. The monastery complex also includes a library, a bell tower, and several other buildings
- Monastery of Sanahin is known for its intricate stonework and beautiful architecture. Its main building, the Cathedral of Sanahin, is one of the best examples of Armenian medieval architecture. The monastery complex also includes a library, a bell tower, and several other buildings.
- Sanahin Bridge, also known as the Devil's Bridge, is a medieval bridge located near the Monastery of Sanahin. The bridge was built in the 12th century and spans the Debed River. It is a stone arch bridge that is about 30 meters long and 6 meters wide.
Fun Fact: The Monastery of Sanahin is home to one of the oldest working observatories in the world. The observatory, which is located in the bell tower, was built in the 11th century and was used to observe the movements of the stars and planets. The observatory is still functioning today and is considered a remarkable feat of medieval science and technology.
Entry Fees:
- There is an entry fee of 1,500 AMD per person to enter each monastery. Children under the age of 7 can enter for free. You can also hire a local guide for an additional fee.
How to Reach It:
By minibus or marshrutka from Yerevan the capital:
- to Alaverdi, which is the nearest town to the monasteries. The journey takes around three hours and costs around 1,500 AMD (approximately $3 USD) per person.
- From Alaverdi, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to the monasteries, which are located about 10 km away.
- However the best way to reach Sanahin is up via cable car, the cable car ride takes around 10-15 minutes and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
- It is also possible to hike to the bridge from the Monastery of Sanahin, which is about a 20-minute walk away from the bridge, the bridge also lies on route between the 2 monasteries (16km)
Where to Stay: There are several guesthouses and hotels in the nearby towns of Alaverdi and Vanadzor, as well as in the surrounding villages. Some of the best options include the Tufenkian Avan Dzoraget Hotel, the B&B 3 Gs, and the Mirhav Hotel.
Sanahin in 2010
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View down from the cable car
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