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Haritchavank Monastery

Region

Shirak

Distance from Yerevan

97.1 km

Type

Monastery/Church

The peculiarity of Haritchavank Monastery is that large stones of different shades were used for its construction. Multicolored elements create a unique pattern on the walls of the building. Harichavank known as one of the most famous monastic centers in Armenia and it was especially renowned for its school and scriptorium. The oldest part of this Armenian monastery is the Church of St. Gregory the Enlightener; it is a domed structure that is usually placed in the category of so-called “Mastara-style” churches (named after the fifth century church of St. Hovhannes in the village of Mastara, in the southern part of Shirak). The founding date of the monastery is unknown, but probably it was built no later than the 7th century, when St. Gregory was erected.

Interesting

facts about Haritchavank Monastery

Facts

According to one legend, once a girl of a noble family escaped from the Seljuks and found a shelter in a local chapel. When the invaders tried to get inside and capture the girl, a rock in front of them split in two. Frightened by this miracle, the Seljuks fled, and the girl managed to escape.

According to another legend, during the invasions organized by Seljuks, many people hid in the church, but no one left it. When the Seljuks entered the church, it was empty. The Seljuks explained that as a miracle: people, by the power of the Holy Spirit, became pigeons and managed to fly away and survive. However, the church had a secret exit and it was possible to go down to the valley. Seljuks, not having found a single person in a church, were very angry and decided to destroy the church. They broke the four columns on which the bell tower was placed, but the church did not collapse. Seeing such a miracle, the Seljuks no longer tried to destroy the structure.

Weather in Shirak

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 Harichavank monastery depends on the weather conditions.