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Sanahin Monastery

Region

Lori

Distance from Yerevan

165.4 km

Type

Monastery/Church

There is an ancient Sanahin village located near Alaverdi city, in Lori province. The village is famous for the eponymous monastery complex (10-13 century). Sanahin was originally intended for exiled monks who were hiding from the persecution of the Byzantine emperor. The complex was erected on the initiative of the Armenian king Ashot III Voghormats (Merciful) in 966. Subsequently, Sanahin became not only a spiritual, but also an educational center. The school opened here was turned into an academy where prominent figures of Armenian science of the Middle Ages taught. Sanahin monastery complex is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Interesting

facts about Sanahin Monastery

Facts

Sanahin was the administrative center and the family mausoleum of the Kyurikyan noble family (half of the 12th century). The monastery was a cultural center, had a school and a rich library in X-XI centuries.

More than 50 khachkars have been preserved in Sanahin. Especially valuable khachkars, carved by the masters Grigor Tutevordi and Sargis, are considered marvelous examples of medieval Armenian sculptural art. St. Karapet church and St. Sargis chapel are situated on the eastern side of Sanahin.

According to the legend, the name "Sanahin" is explained by the phrase "sa nranic hin e" which is literally translated from Armenian as "this is older, than the other one". "The other one" in this case refers to Haghpat monastery, which is also located in Lori Province very close to Sanahin monastery.

Weather in Lori

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 Sanahin monastery depends on the weather conditions.

Sights

near Sanahin Monastery

Odzun Monastery

15 km

Haghpat Monastery

15 km

Horomayr monastery

17 km

KOBAYR MONASTERY

19 km

Sanahin Monastery on the map on Armenia