A Bagratid-era center of scholarship and spiritual life

Sanahin Monastery is located in Lori Province, on a plateau above the Debed gorge, next to Haghpat Monastery. It was founded in the 10th century by the Bagratids and quickly became an important center of educational and spiritual life in medieval Armenia.

There is a tradition about the origin of the monastery’s name: when the nearby Haghpat Monastery was founded, the monks of this monastery are said to have remarked “this one is older” (“Sa na hin”), from which the name “Sanahin” is derived.

Architecture

The monastic complex includes several churches, a gavit, a scriptorium, an academy, and a bridge. The main church, Surb Amenaprkich (Holy Savior), was built in 966, and later the Church of the Holy Mother of God, the large gavit, and the scriptorium were added, forming a complete and engaging architectural ensemble.

Academy and education

Sanahin housed one of the first academies of Armenia, where theology, philosophy, music, and the natural sciences were taught. Many Armenian writers and scholars studied and worked here, including the prominent Grigor Magistros.

UNESCO and its link with Haghpat

Sanahin and Haghpat monasteries were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996 as supreme achievements of Bagratid Armenian architecture. The two monasteries stand on opposite sides of the Debed gorge and are usually visited on the same day.

Today

Today Sanahin is a quiet place with a rural atmosphere, where in summer and autumn you can freely wander through the courtyards, see the old khachkars, and enjoy the green views of the Debed gorge.