The stone galleries
Where students once studied.
Soghomon Matevosyan — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Soghomon Matevosyan — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Soghomon Matevosyan — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Soghomon Matevosyan — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Soghomon Matevosyan — CC BY-SA 4.0
Sanahin Monastery is an Armenian monastery founded in the 10th century at Sanahin in Lori Province, near Alaverdi. With neighbouring Haghpat it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its name means «this one is older than that one», a claim to seniority over its neighbour across the valley. Its first church, the Holy Mother of God, was built in the 930s and 940s under King Abas I. In 966 King Ashot III and Queen Khosrovanuysh built the Church of the Holy Saviour. Their sons founded a congregation and a school, inviting clergy, scholars and writers, and it became an important centre of learning. The building is a tight stone mass in which churches, halls and corridors interlock, including arched stone galleries where students once studied. Carved cross stones and bishops' graves are scattered around it. Moss covers much of the walls, adding to the calm, especially on cloudy days. It is 1.3 km in a straight line from central Alaverdi and 4 km from Haghpat, so give the two one day. Dress modestly, keep your voice down and ask before taking pictures inside. The ground is stony and uneven, so wear suitable shoes. Tour numbers are growing, so go in the morning for more quiet.
Where students once studied.
From 966.
And bishops' graves.
Sanahin, Alaverdi town, Lori Province
«This one is older than that one», a nod to neighbouring Haghpat.
Alaverdi is closest, 1.3 km away in a straight line.