Haghpat

Haghpat ( Հաղպատ Armenian ) is a village in the northern Armenian province of Lori, near the city of Alaverdi and the Georgian border. The village is situated on a rugged plateau, a vast flat landscape, which is dissected by deep river beds. The villages Sanahin and Akner, as well as part Alaverdis, are in sight on the adjacent plateau parts, but you have to get there, tackle the steep and arduous climb and descent through the riverbed.

The impoverished village benefited little from tourism to the monastery complex Haghpatavank, the vast majority of the population lives on animal husbandry and vegetable growing. Some villagers work in Alaverdi, about 10 km from Haghpat away, while others in the nearby woods Collect berries (especially blackberry and dogwood ) and sell them. Water is drawn from various mountain springs that exist in this area in large numbers.

Monastery

Haghpat is known by Haghpatavank ( Հաղպատավանք ), a monastery, which was founded in the 10th century ( 967 or 976 ) and as the neighboring monastery Sanahin a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list. The monastery was built under the Bagratidendynastie. Completion of the oldest part of the monastery of Surb Nschan Church (Holy Cross Church ), took place in 991 by the Armenian architect Trdat. The especially large today Gawit Haghpat was built around 1210 in place of a mausoleum.

The monastery complex is part of the Armenian Apostolic Church. About the site is divided into several Chatschkare find (stones with elaborate engravings representing the most crosses ) and bishop gravesites. The complex is an outstanding example of medieval Armenian architecture and therefore attracts a growing number of tourists, since some Armenian travel agencies Haghpat mention in their guidebooks.

Mother of God Chapel

Belfry

Detail in Gawit

Dome in Hamazasp Building

Khachkar