Haghartsin Monastery

The Haghartsin Monastic Complex, built between the 10th and 13th centuries, is located 18 km from Dilijan, nestled in forest-covered mountains. There are no written records about the monastery’s foundation, and it is unknown who built it and when. However, based on historical events, scholars believe that Haghartsin was founded during the Bagratuni dynasty. The complex consists of three churches, two narthexes (one in ruins), a refectory and several chapels. Saint Gregory Church is the oldest structure in the complex, built in a cross-domed architectural style. Saint Stepanos Church is attached to Saint Gregory on the north and features a dome. The Narthex is located west of Saint Gregory, built in the late 12th century under the patronage of Ivane Zakaryan. Saint Astvatsatsin Church is the main church of the complex, designed as a domed hall. In front of this church, the remains of a ruined narthex are still visible. Beneath the southern wall of Saint Gregory’s narthex, there is a royal tomb. Only one tombstone inscription has been deciphered, revealing that King Smbat I of the Bagratuni dynasty is buried here. The other tombstones likely belong to Kyurikian kings. Designed by architect Minas, the refectory holds a unique place in secular Armenian architecture. It is a rectangular hall, divided into two equal sections by paired columns.