Armenian Information
Monastery of Sanahin.
Monastery of Sanahin.
Sanahin is a monastery complex (10th c.) situated 17Km. from the Alaverdi
town (280Km. from Yerevan). The construction of this monastery is associated
to the glory of the Bagratouni Royal Family. The oldest structure of the
monastery was biult in 977-991 and was called the Holy Cross church. Holy
water fills the small pool in the church. Belivers say this water has
curative qualities for people of poor health. Many cross-stones are built
on the ground of the churches. A three-storied bell tower built in 1245
is part of the complex.
Sanahin displays a complex architectural style. The monastery includes
also a book depository dating back to the 13th century, a number of well
preserved remarkable khachkars (cross-stones) dating back to the 11-13th
centuries. Morover, the dwellings in Haghpat are regarded as splendid
specimens of 19thc. Armenian folk style. For a long time Haghpat was one
of the spiritual centers of Medieval Armenia. The Scientist monks collected
various specimens of written in Armenia.
Famous Armenian poet and musician Sayat Nova spent 20 years here far from
the civilization.
