Haghpat monastery complex is located in the north of Armenia. The complex consists of several buildings: a bell tower, a narthex, churches, a refectory and a scriptorium. The buildings were erected at different times, the earliest of them dates from the 10th century. For several hundred years, Haghpat was not only a religious, but also an educational center. Many ancient manuscripts and books were written here. It is believed that Hovhannes Imastaser, who is a well-known theologian, poet and philosopher in Armenia, lived here. His works were known not only in the territory of his native country, but also in Georgia.
The well-established transport infrastructure of Armenia allows to get to Haghpat monastery by a private car or with the help of various travel companies which offer regular excursions and tours to different sights of the country. Due to the geographical location of Haghpat monastery the trip will not seem long.
The high season in Armenia lasts for a long time due to the pleasant climate conditions. Warm days in Armenia start in March and last until late autumn; winter is usually snowless and not long. The high precipitation season is variable. The tourist season for Haghpat monastery depends on the weather conditions.
According to the legend one of the princes of Sanahin settlement invited one of the renowned masters to construct a monastery. So the master and his son started the construction. There was a bitter quarrel between father and son during the building process. Son decided to stop working and left. Sometime later the young master was employed by another prince not far from Sanahin and instructed to build a new monastery. When the walls of the construction built by the young master were visible from Sanahin rumours about the new monastery reached the old master. He decided to visit it and closely examined the building. Everyone was waiting for the old master's judgment in silence. Finally, the master said: Agh, pat (literally means: oh, what a wall!) banging his fist against the stone of the building. And then father and son embraced and forgot about the dispute. From then on the monastery has been called “Haghpat”.
Haghpat monastery complex is included in a UNESCO World Heritage list together with Sanahin Monastery. Haghpat is one of Armenia's biggest and most famous monasteries, where the characteristics of medieval Armenian architecture are best reflected․
The library of Haghpat monastery was founded in the 11th century. It was the largest, richest repository of Armenian manuscripts in the Middle Ages. To save manuscripts from destruction during enemy invasions, manuscripts were later transferred to nearby caves, which also served as reading rooms.
AKHTALA MONASTERY
23 km
SANAHIN MONASTERY
25 km
ODZUN MONASTERY
29 km
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