Haghpat Monastic Complex

The Haghpat Monastic Complex was founded in 976, during the reign of King Ashot III of the Bagratuni dynasty, and was built on the elevated southeastern part of the village. The complex consists of cathedrals, narthex halls, chapels, a scriptorium, a bell tower, a refectory, and mausoleums. The main church, Surb Nshan (Holy Sign), was built between 970 and 991 by Queen Khosrovanush. It is a domed cruciform church, rectangular on the outside and cross-shaped on the inside. Among the preserved frescoes are a depiction of Christ and some Gospel scenes. The main narthex is attached to the western side of Surb Nshan and was built in the 13th century by Princess Mariam. It stands out for its volume and stone inscriptions. To the south and north of the main church are the St. Gregory and Holy Mother of God churches, both cruciform and domed in design. North of the cathedral is Hamazasp’s chapel, which includes a small chapel and, to the south, a rebuilt scriptorium. The scriptorium was considered an important center of manuscript writing, where ancient manuscripts were preserved and recopied. The most notable structure in the complex is the three-story bell tower, a tower-like structure with a cruciform layout and crowned with a dome. It is remarkable for its architectural harmony and elegance. To the north lies the refectory, a vaulted hall with two columns. The complex also contains arched halls that served as mausoleums, with floors covered in tombstones and housing the famous Amenaprkich Khachkar (Holy Savior Cross-stone).