Surb Nshan Cathedral
Completed in 991.
Soghomon Matevosyan — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Marcin Konsek — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Soghomon Matevosyan — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Marcin Konsek — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Marcin Konsek — CC BY-SA 4.0
Haghpat Monastery is a medieval Armenian monastic complex in the village of Haghpat in Lori Province, built between the 10th and 13th centuries. With nearby Sanahin it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it stands on a slope overlooking the Debed River among green hills and small villages. Queen Khosrovanuysh, wife of King Ashot III, founded it, probably in 976. The largest church, the Cathedral of Surb Nshan, was begun in her time and completed in 991 under King Smbat II. The site was chosen partway up the hill to offer protection and concealment, and later buildings enlarged the complex. You enter among close-set stone buildings, including churches, gathering halls and a bell tower. The cathedral's outer walls are marked by triangular recesses, and a relief on the east gable shows the queen's sons holding a model of the church. Carved cross stones stand all around, among the great pleasures of a visit. It is 3.3 km in a straight line from Alaverdi and 4 km from Sanahin, so one day covers both, often along with Akhtala. Dress modestly, keep your voice down and ask before taking pictures inside. The stones can be slippery after rain, so wear suitable shoes. Autumn is lovely here, when the hills turn colour.
Completed in 991.
The princes with a church model.
Carvings around the complex.
Haghpat village, Lori Province, northern Armenia
The two are neighbours listed together by UNESCO, about 4 km apart.
It is a long road, so staying in the area or combining it with a trip to Georgia works better.